Although the COVID-19 pandemic is now behind us, the world is grappling with the mental health effects it has left behind.
From frontline health care workers battling burnout, to isolated older adults dealing with loneliness, to young people facing uncertainty about their futures, the mental health toll of COVID-19 is a crisis that cannot be ignored, with some turning to alcohol and others to drugs for solace.
The Wayne County Health Department has taken a proactive approach to promoting local health services post-pandemic, including mental health providers, by hosting a community health fair.
“The health department’s services are available to anyone and we encourage that,” said Elesa Eken, Community Health Promotion Coordinator. “Mental health is an issue that a lot of people are facing right now and we have the resources to help.”
As the pandemic raged, turning weeks into months, removing familiar rhythms and daily interactions, blurring the line between reality and living nightmare. As the world retreated behind masks and closed doors, a silent epidemic began to spread. The psychological effects of social isolation, a by-product of the pandemic’s necessary precautions, took a toll on mental health.
“The pandemic has certainly increased the need for mental health services,” said Jordan Kindinger, community education and prevention manager at the Wayne and Holmes County Counseling Center (CCWHC). “The need is so great that we are building a mental health residential stabilization unit and expanding our services. We are passionate about providing the services people need for their mental health.”
One of CCWHC’s newer offerings is a day treatment program, which Kindinger said is a six-week, five-days-a-week program aimed at people with needs beyond outpatient counseling.
“We’ve seen a growing need for this service within the community,” Kindinger said. “This service is more intensive, and while it’s currently internally referral-based, we’re working to ramp it up to be available to the entire community.”
Kindinger said he’s not aware of a direct correlation between the pandemic and mental health, but he’s certainly seen an increase in demand for mental health services after the pandemic ends.
Wayne County Health Department Director Nick Cascarelli said the health fair provided a space for people to learn about the services available to them, including medical, mental health and social services.
“We’re now able to host events like this in our new, larger facility,” Cascarelli said. “We’re here for the community, and we want to showcase what we can do to improve the health of people in our community.”
Visit the Wayne County Health Department website at www.wayne-health.org. The 24-hour Mental Health Crisis Services Hotline is available at 330-845-HELP (4357). In an emergency, call 911.
Dan Starcher is the public information coordinator for Wayne County.
