As the state continues to shelter-in-place, the Michigan Department of Health and Services is launching a statewide warm-line for Michiganders whose mental health is being effected by the coronavirus.
According to the MDHHS, it’s like a hotline, it’s just not 24-hours-a-day, but the warm-line will connect individuals with mental illnesses with certified peer support specialists who share similar experiences.
Lynn Sutfin is a spokesperson for the MDHHS. She says, that the COVID-19 pandemic is not just a threat to everyone’s physical health, but also, to one’s mental health as well. And the new warmline is a resource for anyone dealing with stress and anxiety brought on by the coronavirus pandemic.
“So the line is open to all Michiganders,” Sutfin said. “We definitely want to make sure that those individuals that do have those diagnosis, of trauma, any of those situations where they have a diagnosis, that they are able to access this. But we do want to make sure that anybody that is having those stress levels, that they can call this line as well and talk to someone and get through this.”
She adds that the new warmline hopes to alleviate the burden on first responders by offering a solution for non-crisis callers, will offer support for individuals feeling isolated from society.
