Health council debuts ‘Connect with a Smile’
The campaign encourages connection for those in the region who are struggling due to the pandemic.
The TriCounty Health Council has launched the “Connect With A Smile” multi-media campaign that encourages connection and support for children, families and individuals in the region who are struggling with the difficult social and emotional effects of the pandemic, all through the “science of smiles.”
“As rates of depression and anxiety continue to rise in our area, the TriCounty Health Council is uniquely situated to provide messages and resources to address the mental health epidemic,” said David Kraybill, Pottstown Area Health & Wellness Foundation president. “To meet our community’s needs, it’s vital that we engage healthcare providers and supporters from across the area in meaningful collaborations, and the relationships that the TriCounty Health Council has forged over the past several years provide a solid footing for this effort.”
Richard Newell, president and CEO of Pottstown Hospital – Tower Health emphasized, “Access to behavioral healthcare was identified as a top community need during the 2018 Pottstown Hospital – Tower Health Community Health Needs Assessment. Our hospital and staff are committed to educating the community about available resources for mental health care and bridging the gap to treatment.”
“Every day more and more of us are feeling isolated and disconnected,” said Dr. Andrew Trentacoste, CEO and clinical director of Creative Health Services.
“It becomes all too easy to forget that there are simple things we can do to support ourselves and others. Like sharing a smile especially, from behind a mask. Finding something that makes us smile, including smiling at a stranger, helps bolster and hearten both us and them. Research shows this and we experience it. Eye contact and smiling are simple acts of acknowledgment and connection, yet they’re easy to overlook. So join us in generously sharing smiles, a most powerful tool in our continuing efforts to combat the effects of the pandemic. Effects like loneliness, depression, anxiety, grief and hopelessness. None of us needs to feel alone in this.”
‘A Friendly Smile’
“Now more than ever, everyone can benefit from sharing a friendly smile, even from under a mask,” said Bridgette McGivern, CEO of Community Health and Dental Care. “While smiling has been known to reduce stress, there are times when stress can manifest itself in a variety of health issues. Community Health and Dental Care ensures everyone has access to the support systems they need. Our friendly and compassionate staff will help you and walk the path with you, in hopes to give you a better quality of life.” The message is clear: Mask Up. Look Up. Connect with a SMILE... It’s contagious. Spread joy!
If you’re feeling down, reach out to Creative Health Services 484-9410500 or Suicide Prevention Lifeline 1-800-273TALK (8255).
Tus ojos son la ventana a tu corazon. Usa tu mascara.
Sonrie con tus ojos, tu sonrisa es contagiosa. ¡Contagia alegría! In Spanish the messaging
conveys:
Your eyes are a window to your heart. Use your mask.
Smile with your eyes, your smile is contagious. Spread smiles!
For more information and to gain access to the digital messaging, go to https://pottstownfoundation.org/connect-witha-smile