Grant Halliburton Foundation Collaborates with Dallas County Medical Society to Link Healthcare Workers with Mental Health Support During COVID-19
Over 300 telehealth practitioners are available to assist
Healthcare professionals in North Texas, including doctors and nurses, are enduring long hours and facing personal risks to care for others amidst the COVID-19 crisis. To provide support to these essential workers during this challenging period, the Grant Halliburton Foundation has teamed up with the Dallas County Medical Society to link frontline healthcare providers with vital mental health resources via the Here For Texas Mental Health Navigation Line.
Developed by mental health specialists at Grant Halliburton Foundation, the free Here For Texas Mental Health Navigation Line offers assistance, information, resources, and support related to mental health and substance abuse, including telehealth options. The line operates Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Bilingual support is also available. The contact number is 972-525-8181, and the website is accessible at herefortexas.com.
Kevin Hall, who leads the Grant Halliburton Foundation, stated, “As the pandemic progresses, it’s crucial to prioritize mental health for everyone, especially for healthcare professionals on the front lines. They face intense stress and anxiety, and we must lend our support. We have received interest from over 300 telehealth providers eager to help.”
A recent survey by the Kaiser Family Foundation revealed that nearly half of U.S. adults feel the pandemic is negatively impacting their mental well-being.
“It’s understandable that feelings of depression and anxiety are at an all-time high in light of the pandemic, characterized by unemployment and social distancing measures,” explained Blanca Garcia, the foundation’s director of mental health resources. “Experiencing anxiety is a normal response for anyone; however, frontline healthcare workers require additional mental health support. That’s where we step in.”
When callers reach out, they are paired with a trained mental health navigator who provides support and information regarding local services and resources. These navigators collect relevant information to understand the caller’s specific needs. Subsequently, a qualified mental health professional will assist in identifying tailored resources within 24 hours. Note: The Mental Health Navigation Line is not intended for crisis assistance, but navigators can guide individuals to crisis resources if needed.
A recent article in Bloomberg emphasized that “the U.S. was already experiencing a mental health crisis before COVID-19 emerged. Rates of suicide and drug overdoses have increased in recent years, with 17.3 million adults in the U.S. reportedly experiencing at least one major depressive episode in 2017.”
Additional Resources for North Texas
Grant Halliburton Foundation’s Pandemic Resource Page
This resource page includes links to other mental health websites, helplines, and information regarding the virus, along with articles on coping strategies. It will be updated as the pandemic situation evolves.
Grant Halliburton Foundation’s Here For Texas Website
HereForTexas.com
This website provides a comprehensive range of information related to mental health topics, resources, and professionals in North Texas, all easily accessible.
About Grant Halliburton Foundation
The Grant Halliburton Foundation was founded in 2006 in memory of a Dallas teenager who struggled with depression and bipolar disorder for several years before tragically taking his own life at the age of 19. The foundation aims to assist families and young people in recognizing the signs of mental illness through education, conferences, collaboration, and advocacy. The foundation focuses on building a robust network of mental health resources for children, teens, and young adults; enhancing mental health awareness; and preventing suicide. Each year, it provides support and education to over 49,000 students, educators, parents, and professionals. Further information is available at GrantHalliburton.org.
About Dallas County Medical Society
The Dallas County Medical Society is dedicated to promoting public health, advocating for physicians and their relationship with patients, and maintaining professional excellence in medical practice. Established in 1876, the society has grown significantly from 30 founding physicians to over 8,000 members, which includes local physicians, medical students, and residents committed to serving patients in the Dallas area. Despite the evolution of the medical field, the society has consistently remained a leader at local, state, and national levels.
