​Caring for Kids During the COVID Pandemic

Children all across America are experiencing loss, fear and confusion during the COVID-19 crisis. Their school year has been disrupted, they have had to adjust to online schooling, many cannot join in extra-curricular activities and they miss their friends.
 
The Mental Health Addiction and Recovery Services Board of Lorain County (MHARS) has developed a free Family Toolkit for parents, caregivers and educators to help children cope with the pandemic. It covers such topics as Basic Needs (top 10 tips for parents, age-related reactions to trauma, area food distributions), Parents/Caregivers (grief and loss, substance abuse), Early Childhood (coping and learning, relaxation activities) and specific age groups – middle school, high school and college.
 
All you have to do is click here for the Tool Kit, and you will have a world of help and hope at your fingertips.

---

Mental Health and Addiction Problems
During COVID-19
​
MHARS Is Here for You!

​Mental health and substance use services like The Mental Health, Addiction and Recovery Services (MHARS) Board of Lorain County are ESSENTIAL. Agencies are still serving the public.
 
If you are a client, please keep your appointments, stay in contact with your provider and stay on your course of treatment.
 
If you are experiencing a mental health or addiction issue for the first or a recurring time, many providers are still taking new patients. 

Here is information that can help you, your family and friends during the pandemic.

---

Toll-Free "COVID Careline": 
The Ohio Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services (OhioMHAS)  launched a new, toll-free Careline to provide emotional support for Ohioans who are experiencing stress, anxiety, fear, sadness and loneliness amid the COVID-19 pandemic. Ohioans may call 1-800-720-9616 to connect with trained counselors for 24/7 support. Read more.

---

Confidential Mental Health Screening:
One in five people will experience a mental illness during his or her lifetime, but there are practical tools to improve their mental health and there are ways to be supportive of friends, family and co-workers who are struggling with challenges or mental health. Read more. Then, take the confidential mental health quiz: https://screening.mentalhealthscreening.org/lorain 

---

"Strive for 5 Challenge":
Governor Dewine and Ohio Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services Director Criss issued a challenge to Ohioans: find five people in your life to check in with every day for 30 days. The Strive for Five Challenge helps us all feel connected, and can reduce feelings of isolation and loneliness as we navigate the COVID-19 outbreak. Read more.

---

More Insight ...

Read more.​ Article courtesy of www.verywellmind.com

---

COVID and Workers'
​Mental Health Crises

More than one third of American workers are struggling with mental health issues. Some companies are stepping up to the plate to help -- from offering Zoom music parties to fitness classes to access to mental health sessions. Read more. Article courtesy of www.HuffPost.com. 

---

​THRIVE! Southern Lorain County is one of 11 Community Collaboratives powered by United Way of Greater Lorain County that are working to improve the health, education, and financial stability of all residents in our communities.