Healthcare Network is offering free mental health support to teachers, school employees and their families who may be anxious about upcoming plans to open schools during COVID-19.
Through an emergency grant of $50,000 from the medical aid organization Direct Relief, in partnership with the National Association of Community Health Centers, Healthcare Network will use the funds to provide up to three free visits with mental health providers. The free services are available to essential frontline workers and their families including but not limited to teachers, school employees, healthcare workers, protective service and first responders, grocery store workers, agricultural workers, janitors and maintenance workers, and restaurant workers in Southwest Florida.
“With ongoing debate about the risks associated to educators by reopening, teachers and school employees may be stressed and anxious about working in changed environments,” said Dr. Emily Ptaszek, president and CEO of Healthcare Network. “They and other essential workers and their families may need help to maintain mental wellness while working on the frontline during these challenging times.”
The grant will support up to a total of 500 visits before Nov. 14, 2020.
Frontline workers who are interested in making appointments with mental healthcare professionals at Healthcare Network should call 239-658-3185. Appointments are available via telehealth or at Healthcare Network location. Learn more at HealthcareSWFL.org/Direct-Relief.
About Healthcare Network
Healthcare Network is committed to ensuring quality healthcare is accessible to everyone in our community, regardless of income or insurance status. Founded in 1977 to serve migrant farmworkers and their families in Immokalee, Healthcare Network now provides care to approximately 50,000 patients in practices throughout Collier County including the Ronald McDonald Care Mobile® and the Health and Smiles Mobile units. Healthcare Network provides primary healthcare services including family care, obstetrics and gynecology, pediatrics, senior care, and pharmacy as well as dental care and integrated behavioral health for both adults and children. The organization’s newest location, the Nichols Community Health Center, is a 50,000-square-foot primary care medical center in Golden Gate. For more information, visit www.HealthcareSWFL.org, or to schedule an appointment, please call 239-658-3000.
