The Village Network Stands Ready To Provide Mental Health Services During Times Of Crisis
During this uncertain time when our local economics are in question, the dangers of the coronavirus continue to increase around us, and we are subject to the isolation of social distancing and home quarantines, each individual’s mental health is likely being strained, possibly to a point of desperation. In a pandemic, many people are afraid of what might happen in the future, which causes stress, anxiety, panic, depression, and when left untreated, can result in suicide. At The Village Network, we recognize the tremendous need to assist those who may be struggling with their mental health. Our goal is to support the mental health needs of the local community so that we can help reduce the strain on each individual and provide hope for a brighter future in Wayne County and beyond.
In desperate times like these, it’s vital that everyone tends to their mental health. The World Health Organization (WHO) defines health as “a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity.” But when many people think of their health, they may prioritize physical well-being, sometimes at the expense of their own mental health.
Now that most of the world is subject to social distancing and being quarantined at home, The Village Network is available to provide our mental health services to the greater community to help reduce anxiety and the stressors that arise as a result of these measures and the larger crisis at hand. “While we encourage everyone to practice social distancing to minimize the spread of the COVID-19, we also recognize how stressful these times are and the importance of maintaining human connections to buffer the stress,” says David Paxton, Chief Clinical Officer.
To support this larger demand for mental health services, The Village Network is expanding their telehealth services which provides Wayne County residents with a valuable resource allowing those with mental health needs to utilize their smartphone, tablet, or computer to receive services in place of a face-to-face visit in an outpatient office. Recent enactments by Ohio Governor Mike DeWine have authorized the use of much needed telehealth services as the state navigates the COVID-19 crisis. The Village Network’s confidential and secure telehealth services can be provided by setting up an appointment by calling 1-855-522-4886.
As the crisis continues to unfold, The Village Network wants to assure the public that the health and safety of our clients and staff are of the utmost importance. We are following the careful guidance of local and state departments of health along with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and doing our part to prevent the spread of the virus. We have released a statement of new procedures designed to meet the needs of client and families we currently serve that can be found at https://www.thevillagenetwork.org/coronavirus/.
The staff of The Village Network are highly trained to support the needs of Wayne County during this time of crisis. In 2019, we served more than 7,500 clients in 20 locations and 90+ schools, we’re well poised to increase this number again this year, and more in our 75th year of operations in 2021. Our long-standing history, financial prudence, and support of donors and the community also equips us to remain a stable resource during questionable economic times and helps ensure our employees receive competitive wages and benefit packages for their dedication to our mission, youth and families, and supporting the local community.
“There are so many great examples of our team working together to ensure that we can continue to meet the needs of the youth and families we care for. Our goals during this crisis are to keep everyone at The Village Network safe and healthy, provide exceptional care to the youth and families that need us, and look for new innovative ways to reach the most vulnerable while remaining viable for the future,” says Rich Graziano, President & CEO.
Here at The Village Network, this stressful period in time has called upon us to be at our best and serve the mental health needs of Wayne County and the surrounding communities. We are dedicated and ready to help those in need and provide the resources necessary to reduce the stress and anxiety during these trying times.
To learn more about our expanded telehealth services, or to setup an appointment, please visit thevillagenetwork.org/telehealth or call 1-855-522-4886. To learn more about our response to the COVID-19 crisis, please visit thevillagenetwork.org/coronavirus.