Delco outlines resources for help in COVID-19 crisis
“Unfortunately, each day, there are adults, children, families and human services staff being traumatized by this difficult time. Our mental health system understands and respects individual responses. We’re here to help everyone.”
— Donna Holiday of Delaware County’s Division of Mental Health
Delaware County held a tele-town hall Wednesday and recapped services available via telephone and online to help people cope through the coronavirus crisis.
“We have never been through anything like this before,” Sandra Garrison, the director of Delaware County’s Human Services Department, said as county personnel laid out various resources residents can access to persevere.
First, Garrison recommended residents visit www.delcohsa.org for a list of service guides and directories for mental health, food assistance, recovery groups and homelessness assistance. She also highlighted visiting the county’s website at www.delcopa.gov and clicking on the coronavirus icon, then the “Resources for the Community” link.
“Remember, we are all here together and the county offices are here for support,” she said, adding that any questions could be directed to humanservices@delcohsa.org.
Donna Holiday of the county’s Division of Mental Health said feeling anxious is normal in this situation.
“Unfortunately, each day, there are adults, children, families and human services staff being traumatized by this difficult time,” she said. “Our mental health system understands and respects individual responses. We’re here to help everyone.”
She recommended adopting an attitude of gratitude, focusing on the ability for increased quality family time, neighbors helping neighbors, increased rest and possibly trying new things.
Holiday also suggested setting boundaries and taking breaks, as needed.
“In this new normal, we must find new ways to cope,” she said, adding that staying engaged is still important from guides to talk to children about this crisis to virtual field trips to online classes to meet ups for youth to online yoga and meditation videos and livestreaming to zoom walks.
She said the Delaware County Crisis Connection Team remains available 24 hours a day, seven days a week at 855-889-7827 and there’s a warm line for those just wanting to talk at 855464-9342.
Delaware County also recently instituted a telehealth help line at 855464-9342 that’s also available 24 hours a day, seven days a week for individuals living or working in Delaware County. By calling this number, they have the choice to speak to a certified peer specialist or a mental health professional.
Trained listeners are also available on a line set up by the state at 855-284-2494. For TTY, please dial 724631-5600.
Holiday told of a spiritual care help line at 717303-3538.
Laura Fidorowicz of Delaware County’s Division of Drug and Alcohol provided resources for recovery support for those combatting addiction.
“During the pandemic, substance abuse will continue to be a challenge,” she said. “It is critical to ask for help in this time.”
She recommended reaching out to certified recovery specialists at 610-619-8616 or the Keystone Center for screening at 610-876-9000 for assistance. Alcoholics Anonymous meetings and resources are available at aasepia.org and Narcotics Anonymous can be reached at nadelco.org.
Recovery meetings are also available multiple times a day at unityrecovery.org/digital-recoverymeeting.
The Pennsylvania Depart of Drug and Alcohol Programs also has a 24-houra-day help line at 800-6624357 (HELP) for assistance in finding treatment.
“We are still open and we are still available for help,” Fidorowicz said.
Barbara Nicolardi of the County Services for the Aging (COSA) recommended calling her office at 610490-1300 for any needs related to the aging population.
She directed those with rental disputes to contact Legal Aid of Southeastern Pennsylvania at 610-8748421 and for those with issues about their Medicare and insurance coverage to call the Apprise Program at 484-494-3769.
Community Transit is also working with COSA to deliver groceries to seniors and can be reached at grocerydropoff@ctdelco.org or at 215-900-2519.
In addition, Nicolardi recommended county residents to check on their senior family members and neighbors.
“Many seniors are alone and isolated,” she said. “If you can, make a call and check in.”
Anyone having a challenging time reaching loved ones in long-term or personal care homes or with issues regarding those facilities are asked to call the Delaware County Ombudsman at 610-872-1868.
County officials also noted that renters cannot be evicted from their homes during the pandemic and that PECO is turning on the electricity for those whom it had turned off while working out the provisions.
“We’re here to help with any concerns you might have,” Garrison said. “We are all in this together.”