A volunteer mental health navigator takes a call on the Here For Texas Mental Health Navigation Line. A program of Grant Halliburton Foundation, the free navigation line will remain open during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Grant Halliburton Foundation Partners with Dallas County Medical Society to Connect Healthcare Professionals to Mental Health Resources During COVID-19 Pandemic
More than 300 telehealth providers are ready to help
North Texas doctors, nurses and other healthcare workers are working long hours and putting themselves at risk to help others during the COVID-19 virus pandemic. To support these heroes during this unprecedented situation, the nonprofit Grant Halliburton Foundation is partnering with the Dallas County Medical Society to connect frontline healthcare professionals with critical mental health resources through the Here For Texas Mental Health Navigation Line.
Created by the mental health experts at Grant Halliburton Foundation, the free Here For Texas Mental Health Navigation Line offers guidance, information, resources and support for mental health and addiction, including telehealth options. Hours are Monday-Friday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Spanish language assistance is also available. The number is 972-525-8181. Open anytime is the website: herefortexas.com.
Kevin Hall, president of Grant Halliburton Foundation, said, “As the COVID-19 pandemic continues, mental health for all is critical, especially for frontline workers and healthcare professionals. They are risking their lives and may feel more stress and anxiety than the rest of us, and we must support them. So far, more than 300 telehealth providers have let us know they are ready to help.”
According to a new poll published Thursday by the Kaiser Family Foundation, nearly half the people in the United States feel the coronavirus crisis is harming their mental health.
“It’s not surprising that depression and anxiety are heightened given this new reality surrounding the pandemic in terms of joblessness and social distancing measures,” said Blanca Garcia, director of mental health resources at Grant Halliburton Foundation. “Feeling anxious is part of a normal response to what’s going on for anyone. Now imagine being a frontline healthcare worker. They need support for their mental health, too. That’s where we can help.”
Callers are connected to a trained mental health navigator who can offer support and information about services and resources in their area. These are trained volunteers who gather pertinent information from the caller regarding their needs. Then, an experienced mental health professional helps to identify specific resources tailored to the caller’s needs within 24 hours. Note: the Mental Health Navigation Line is not a crisis line, but navigators can direct callers to additional crisis resources.
According to a recent Bloomberg article, “The U.S. was already in the midst of a mental health crisis even before COVID-19 hit. Rates of suicides and drug overdoses have been climbing in recent years. In 2017, 17.3 million adults in the U.S. had at least one major depressive episode.”
Additional North Texas Resources:
Grant Halliburton Foundation’s Pandemic Resources Page
granthalliburton.org/pandemicresources
This page includes other mental health websites, helplines, information about the virus and articles on how to cope. It will be updated as the pandemic continues.
Grant Halliburton Foundation’s Here For Texas website
This website offers a wide array of information on mental health topics, North Texas resources and professionals—all within easy reach.
About Grant Halliburton Foundation
Grant Halliburton Foundation was established in 2006 in memory of a Dallas teen who battled depression and bipolar disorder for several years before his suicide death at the age of 19. The Foundation that bears his name works to help families and young people recognize the signs of mental illness through a variety of avenues including education, conferences, collaboration and encouragement. Grant Halliburton Foundation works to strengthen the network of mental health resources for children, teens and young adults; promote better mental health; and help prevent suicide. The Foundation provides mental health education, training and support to more than 49,000 students, educators, parents, and professionals annually. More information can be found at GrantHalliburton.org.
About Dallas County Medical Society
The mission of the Dallas County Medical Society is to promote public health, advocate for physicians and their relationship with patients, while upholding professionalism in the practice of medicine. The Dallas County Medical Society, established in 1876, is a professional organization that has grown from 30 physicians to more than 8,000 since its inception. Members are local physicians, medical students and residents dedicated to serving Dallas area patients in matters of medical care. Throughout the changes that have taken place in medicine, DCMS has remained a leader at the local, state and national levels.
