Opinion: Mental health heroes are here to help during stressful times – Coloradoan

Michael G. Allen Published 7:00 a.m. MT May 11, 2020 | Updated 7:26 a.m. MT May 11, 2020

Michael G. Allen(Photo: SummitStone Health Partners)

May has been designated Mental Health Awareness Month since 1949. This year it is even more important because it coincides with the ongoing COVID-19 public health crisis.

A recent poll from the Kaiser Family Foundation reported that 45% of adults in the United States feel that their mental health has been negatively impacted due to worry and stress over the virus.

As the Community Behavioral Health Center serving Larimer County, SummitStone Health Partners is seeing increased demand for services addressing anxiety, depression, sobriety, isolation and other symptoms due to concerns related to COVID-19.

I want you to know that we are here for you. Working together with many community partners, we continue to provide services in-person, through video conferencing, and telephone to help everyone cope during this difficult time.

While many people have been experiencing intense disruption and uncertainty, SummitStone employees have been going above and beyond to meet community needs. Our staff are true mental health heroes.

Recently, our Mobile Crisis team was dispatched to assess a woman who was experiencing suicidal thoughts, anxiety and hopelessness related to COVID-19.

She was admitted to our Crisis Services Unit for stabilization, had a successful stay and expressed gratitude for the quick intervention. She now has a safety plan in place and is continuing to improve through participation in virtual Intensive outpatient services.

An employee working at the NorthsideAztlan Community Center was able to de-escalate a man who was exhibiting disruptive behavior outside the facility. The man was dangerously intoxicated and did not have a home to go to.

Our therapist was able to de-escalate the situation, arrange for transport to the hospital and ultimately arrange for safe and compassionate medical detoxification services.

Our co-response clinicians, who work with first responders, continue to assist community members whose mental health issues bring them in contact with law enforcement.

They have arranged for volunteers to deliver medications and groceries for those who are unable to obtain them and provide regular follow-up to connect these folks to necessary resources.

During this COVID-19 pandemic, many people are experiencing more stress and uncertainty. This is normal. I want to emphasize that SummitStone staff, and many other service providers, are available to support the mental and emotional health of our community.

I am awed and humbled by these dedicated and hard-working mental health heroes.

Please have a conversation about mental and emotional health with your family, friends and neighbors. Encourage them to reach out for help when needed. We are here for you.

SummitStones Behavioral Health Urgent Care, 1218 Riverside Ave. in Fort Collins, is open for walk-in service every day from 8 a.m. to midnight. Mobile Services can be dispatched 24/7/365 by calling (970) 494-4200. This is the same number anyone experiencing a crisis can call for help.

People can also text TALK to 38255, where a trained professional will provide immediate support and connect you to further resources.

A list of COVID-19 resources is also available on our website http://www.summitstonehealth.org/COVID-19.

Michael G. Allen is chief executive officer of SummitStone Health Partners.

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Opinion: Mental health heroes are here to help during stressful times - Coloradoan