At least 56% of American adults have reported that worry or stress related to the pandemic has caused them to experience at least one negative effect on their mental health and well-being, according to data from Kaiser Family Foundation.
At least 56% of American adults have reported that worry or stress related to the pandemic has caused them to experience at least one negative effect on their mental health and well-being, according to data from Kaiser Family Foundation.
The pandemic has resulted in a more intense spotlight on issues surrounding mental health and well-being as people across all age groups experience the trauma of losing loved ones, heightened anxiety, health concerns, job loss and school closures, social isolation, caregiving stress and more.
We are seeing efforts emerging on the state and federal levels to support mental health resources along with long-standing, continued support by CMF members.
In a joint bipartisan letter, nine Michigan Congressional leaders are requesting that funding for Michigan school-based health centers be included in the next COVID-19 legislative relief package to ensure there are no gaps in mental health services while schools are closed.
The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) has launched a new crisis text line to provide additional mental health support as part of its “Stay Home, Stay Well” initiative during the COVID-19 pandemic.
MDHHS says Michigan residents can now text the keyword “RESTORE” to 741741 to have a confidential text conversation with a crisis counselor. Trained counselors are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week to respond to texts from Michigan residents who are facing a mental health crisis, such as anxiety, financial stress, suicide and domestic violence. While the text line has launched during the pandemic, MDHHS intends to continue offering the service in the future.
The Children’s Foundation partnered with iHeartRadio for the #iCareMI campaign underway now through May 17. Funds raised during the campaign will be used to assist community organizations to provide urgent needs and services to the children and families they serve, including technology to transition mental health in-person visits to telehealth.
As CMF reported, several CMF members including the Michigan Health Endowment Fund, Ethel and James Flinn Foundation and the Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan Foundation recently fast-tracked nearly $3 million in grants to advance telehealth services in Michigan, particularly in the area of behavioral health to ensure those who need services can be connected.
“We share a long-term commitment to advancing telehealth as a best practice in Michigan,” Andrea Cole, executive director, Ethel and James Flinn Foundation said. “Now more than ever, remote treatments offer a lifeline for families and children in need of behavioral health services.”
The Ethel and James Flinn Foundation continues to highlight the importance of self-care and support during this crisis by sharing mental health resources on its social media channels.
The Crim Fitness Foundation, which is supported by CMF members, is providing virtual learning and mindfulness-based stress reduction for youth and families.
Resources to Share with Your Staff, Community Members and Partners
MDHHS has provided a roundup of resources for Michigan residents experiencing stress, anxiety and trauma:
The Headspace website provides free, evidence-based guided meditations. It includes at-home workouts that guide people through mindful exercise (a type of meditation in which participants focus on being intensely aware of what they are sensing and feeling in the moment), sleep assistance and children’s content to help address rising stress and anxiety. The resource is free and available to the public.
The National Suicide Prevention hotline. People considering suicide are urged by MDHHS to contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline 24/7 at 800-273-8255.
The Disaster Distress Helpline for anyone in distress pertaining to the COVID-19 crisis. It is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week at 800-985-5990.
The statewide “Warmline” for Michiganders living with persistent mental health conditions connects people with certified peer support specialists who have lived experiences of behavioral health issues, trauma or personal crises, and are trained to support and empower the callers. The warmline operates seven days a week from 10 a.m. to 2 a.m. at 888-PEER-753 (888-733-7753).
This Friday, May 15 CMF’s Health Funders Affinity Group invites all members to join a conversation about the health issues related to the pandemic with Dr. Robert Gordon, director of the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services. Event registration is now live.
