College Health Alliance of Texas partners with mental health foundations to combat pandemic dangers
A Texas survey finds 78% of Texans are concerned about mental health issues related to COVID-19, including depression and increases in suicide
AUSTIN, Texas, Dec. 17, 2020 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ -- As the holidays approach, Texans are highly concerned about mental health issues as a result of COVID-19, but one college organization is working to do something about it. The College Health Alliance of Texas (CHAT) is launching a partnership with Grant Halliburton Foundation and the Okay to Say™ mental health public awareness campaign to bring resources to college students who may face mental health struggles over the holidays.
CHAT has partnered with Grant Halliburton Foundation to expand and reinforce the organization's Here for Texas Mental Health Navigation Line. Through the partnership, the Navigation Line is now open to college students statewide, with special holiday hours to accommodate the needs of college students on winter break.
The Here For Texas Mental Health Navigation Line is a free helpline offering guidance, information, resources, and support for mental health and addiction. 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, they will forward the information to an experienced mental health professional who will help to identify specific resources tailored to the caller's needs.
The Here for Texas Mental Health Navigation Line is open during the holidays. If you need help, give the free helpline a call at 972-525-8181.
Normal Operating Hours
Monday–Thursday
10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Fridays
10 a.m. to 4 pm.
Special Holiday Hours
December 28–31
12 p.m. to 4 p.m.
Closed Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and New Year's Day
Texans recognize the mental health risks associated with the COVID-19 pandemic. A statewide survey commissioned by CHAT and conducted by Crosswind Media and Public Relations finds 78% percent of Texans are concerned about the mental health consequences associated with the COVID-19 pandemic such as depression and increases in suicide. Nearly half of respondents, or 48%, reported being very concerned.
CHAT also conducted an online survey among its member institutions to assess mental health attitudes among students at Texas colleges and universities. Among 133 members of student government organizations, 65% agree that the pandemic has increased levels of anxiety, 72% agree the pandemic has increased feelings of isolation, and 37% agree there is decreased availability of mental resources.
If you would like access to more survey results or an interview with a CHAT representative, please email [email protected].
Social Media Links:
Website: collegehealthallianceoftexas.com
Twitter: @CollegeHealthTX
Instagram: @CollegeHealthTX
About the College Health Alliance of Texas
The College Health Alliance of Texas is a group of Texas student leaders united to build consensus, stop the spread of COVID-19 and to keep college campuses open by effectively communicating how following simple public health guidelines is in everyone's best interest.
About Okay to Say
Okay to Say™ is an award-winning public awareness campaign, initiated by the Meadows Mental Health Policy Institute and supported by The Hackett Center for Mental Health. Okay to Say's message is simple: it's okay to talk openly about mental health. Hope begins with open and honest conversations about mental health between trusted family members, friends, and other loved ones. Together, we can make sure everyone has the support they need to begin getting better. Follow Okay to Say on Facebook and Twitter at @okaytosay and on Instagram at @okaytosayTX to learn more and be a part of the conversation.
About Grant Halliburton Foundation
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 nearly 50,000 students, educators, parents, and professionals annually in North Texas.
Media Contact
Brian Watson, Crosswind Media & Public Relations, 972-816-9099, [email protected]
SOURCE College Health Alliance of Texas
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