Parents’ helpline is open Support for parents is vital for children’s well being “We understand isolation... can be very challenging for families with children,” stated Ed Bride, deputy/ development director at Prevent Child Abuse Vermont (PCAVT). Young children need and actually thrive with predictable structure to their days, as well as attention and interactive play. They need their naps and their down time too, as well as exercise and time to play outdoors, Bride said. Older kids need peers as well as alone time. Phone and computer time allowing for Skype and Face- Time will help older kids in particular get through, Bride stated. But just like younger children, they need outdoor time, exercise and projects to occupy their minds. They also need talk time with parents. These needs, if not met, can result in children and parents’ being in conflict with each other, feeling frustrated and upset. During this difficult time, some kids may not verbally express their feelings for fear of making parents upset and more anxious. Adults may argue and lose their tempers with children, partners and other family members. Worries about unemployment, food insecurity and other very real problems can make managing stress very tough, Bride added. “We all need ways to take breaks from each other. Going for walks alone, reading a book, meditating, listening to music, playing music, baking and trying out new crafts and getting cleaning and sorting projects done and taking naps can all keep us feeling more relaxed and at home in our homes,” he said. Support for parents is vital for children’s well being and for collective mental health. “Remember that we are not in it alone and that it is through our networks of friends, professional helpers, community supports like schools making lunch available... that we will in fact get through this together. Vermont is strong!” he said. For recommendations to promote your family’s well-being during Covid-<strong>19</strong> visit PCAVT.org. The Parents Help Line, 1-800-CHIL- DREN, or 229-5724, or 211. Domestic Abuse NewStory Center is Rutland County’s domestic and sexual violence resource center. Services including emergency shelter, the 24/7 crisis line. Call 802-775-3232. Domestic Violence Hotline: 800-228-7395. National Domestic Violence 24/7 hotline: 1-800-799-7233 or text LOVEIS to 22522. (thehotline.org) Sexual Violence Hotline: 800-489-7273. National Sexual Assault Hotline: 800-656-4673 Parents Help Line, 1-800-CHILDREN, or 229-5724, or 211. Mental health Vermont Crisis Text Line: call 802-775-1000 or Text “VT” to 741741 (vtcrisistextline.org) National Suicide Prevention Hotline: 1-800-273-8255 Rutland Mental Health 24/7 crisis line 802-775-1000 Adult Mental Health Services at Community Care Network: 802-775-4388 Child and Family Mental Health Services at Community Care Network: 802-775-2381 Developmental Disabilities Services at Community Care Network: 802-775-0828 Substance abuse Rutland Mental Health Services Substance Abuse at Community Care Network: 802-747-3588 VTHelplink is a general clearinghouse for inquiries. Visit VTHelplink.org or call 802-565-LINK (5465). Turning Point, a substance abuse recovery center in Rutland, is offering support by phone at 802-773-6010. Vermont Telephone Recovery Support Service: 802-808-8877 Rutland Alcoholics Anonymous Hotline: 802-775-0402. They continue to hold virtual meetings. Visit aavt.org. Narcotics Anonymous National Hotline 800-407-7<strong>19</strong>5, or chat with someone at narcotics.com Rutland Regional Medical Center’s West Ridge Center is a medication assisted out-patient treatment program for people diagnosed with opioid dependence. Call 802.776.5800. Drug and alcohol treatment, recovery is ongoing The Vermont Department of Health has launched VTHelplink, a new, single source clearinghouse for Vermonters to receive free, confidential and personalized information and referrals to substance use prevention, treatment and recovery services throughout the state. “The global pandemic has not erased the continued urgent need for substance use-related services for Vermonters,” said Health Commissioner Mark Levine, MD. “In fact, the extraordinary steps required to stop 8 • Covid-<strong>19</strong> <strong>Local</strong> <strong>Guide</strong> • April 24, 2020 “We all need ways to take breaks from each other,” said Bride. the spread of Covid-<strong>19</strong> creates new challenges for people living with substance use disorder to get the services they need.” VTHelplink features a call center of trained staff and clinicians. Callers can get information, referrals, resources and educational materials on substance use for themselves, family and friends, or on behalf of clients. Also at VTHelplink.org is an online screening tool that Vermonters can use to learn about treatment options that meet their needs. People can also securely chat online with call center staff through the website. “These are more than simply difficult times, and we have no more important a mission than to do everything we can to create an infrastructure that bridges the challenges we face during this pandemic. VTHelplink is key resource for anyone who needs or wants to get treatment and succeed in their recovery,” said Dr. Levine. Those in need can also reach VTHelplink by calling 802-565-LINK (5465) or visiting VTHelplink.org. Social services Domestic violence shouldn’t be tolerated Help is one call away The Vermont State Police, Vermont Attorney General’s Office and the Vermont Network Against Domestic and Sexual Violence join with other law-enforcement agencies and advocacy organizations to acknowledge the unique and difficult challenges facing people who are living in abusive and violent circumstances during the Covid-<strong>19</strong> pandemic. “While we continue to take precautions around Covid-<strong>19</strong> to make our communities safer for everyone, it is important for Vermonters to remember that not every home situation is safe,” said Attorney General T.J. Donovan. “Selfisolation does not mean that you are alone. <strong>Local</strong> programs and law enforcement agencies are here to help. I encourage all Vermonters who are worried about having to self-isolate in a dangerous home situation to reach out.” Amid stay-at-home orders, social distancing, quarantines and mandates to self-isolate, survivors If you are in an emergency situation: Call 911. can find themselves in closer contact than ever with their abusers. However, law enforcement, state government and advocacy networks stand ready to assist survivors, even as some operations are being modified to reduce the risk of virus transmission. “Dedicated advocates at Vermont’s domestic and sexual violence organizations are able to answer hotline calls, offer modified shelter, and certainly talk to survivors about safety planning and other issues,” said Karen Tronsgard-Scott, executive director of the Vermont Network. “We want survivors to know that we see you. We’re here. We’re ready to help,” said Col. Matthew T. Birmingham, director of the state police. Covid-<strong>19</strong>: one more reason to quit tobacco, vaping The new coronavirus attacks the lungs, making it harder for people who smoke or vape — tobacco, cannabis or anything else — to fight off the virus and putting them at much greater risk of severe illness, even death. Through outreach and social media promotion, the Health Department has been helping Vermonters to learn that there has never been a better time, and there has never been a better reason, to quit. Vermonters can find online or phone Quit coaching, Quit resources and tools at 802quits.org. The state’s Tobacco Control Program has seen an encouraging uptick in requests for Quitline and Quit Online services compared to March 20<strong>19</strong>. The phone- and web-based services, as part of 802quits.org, are designed to effectively assist Vermonters age 13 and older with reducing and quitting tobacco use, including vaping. 802Quits sent 2,200 encouraging text messages to Vermonters last month, a doubling over the number sent in February. We also see greater percentages of those currently using e-cigarettes seeking out 802Quits. Phone registrations in March 2020 were 41% higher with 123 calls than March 20<strong>19</strong> and web registrations were 167% higher with 516 compared to March 20<strong>19</strong>. The Tobacco Control Program also launched a youth cessation digital media campaign to support parents who may recognize their teen is addicted to vaping and want help. The campaign educates parents – and youth influencers – on free 802Quits resources for teens 13 and older, for more information visit 802quits.org/teen-vaping.
Social services HERE for YOU EVERYDAY Covid-<strong>19</strong> <strong>Local</strong> <strong>Guide</strong> • April 24, 2020 • 9
Change language