UAMS program offers help for those distressed by pandemic
So much attention has been paid to the physical, political and economic implications the COVID-19 pandemic has had globally, but those suffering with emotional stress and mental health issues related to collateral effects of the virus are often overlooked.
The University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences is attempting to address these issues with its AR-Connect program, which provides 24-hour-a-day help to Arkansans experiencing mental health issues or stress-related to the coronavirus, with no out-of-pocket cost to patients.
The program was funded in part by a grant from the federal government’s Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration.
G. Richard Smith, M.D., director of the UAMS Psychiatric Research Institute and chair of the Department of Psychiatry in the UAMS College of Medicine, said in a news release that AR-Connect is an outlet for those who have symptoms of mental illnesses or are struggling with emotional distress, but don’t exactly know how to address the problem.
“AR-Connect came about because of COVID-19 and it has been very helpful for those dealing with the problems it has caused in their lives,” Smith said. “There are so many people across our state needing help and not knowing where to turn, particularly those worried about the effect COVID-19 is having on them and their loved ones. For them, AR-Connect has been a godsend.”
Callers are screened by specially trained nurses and, if needed, are contacted by a therapist within 24 business hours. Virtual appointments are conducted through telephone or live video, the ultimate goal being to find help for the patients in their home community.
“Many of the calls we have received since May have been from people who were unable to get help because of COVID-19 and all of the restrictions it has caused,” Smith said. “Others may have simply needed to find resources like child care or shelter. We’ve been fortunate enough to help everyone who has called, no matter what they needed.”
The lack of trained behavioral health specialists in Arkansas, along with the stigma associated with mental illness, has made it difficult for many Arkansans to get the help they need.
It’s tough enough for people who need help that not enough of a priority has been established to assist those with mental illnesses on a consistent basis, but the current circumstances in our society make it even harder to access specialists for aid.
AR-Connect offers people timely care without the need for a referral.
“Those patients who appear in danger of committing suicide are given the number for the national suicide hotline or their nearest emergency room,” Smith said. “For everyone else, we make sure they have an appointment with a trained therapist who can evaluate their needs and determine the best way to meet them.”
The AR-Connect therapists, once they are confident the condition has been properly addressed, will connect the patient with a provider in the community for long-term care and follow up with the patient in a month and six months from the onset of service to ensure they are receiving the care needed.
The AR-Connect call center is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, at 501-5263563 or 800-482-9921. The live video virtual clinic operates Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.