Published: March 13, 2020
As the situation surrounding Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) continues to evolve, the team at NRVCS is working diligently to take precautionary measures to help ensure the wellbeing of our staff and those we serve.
Approximately two weeks ago, we established an internal committee to help develop specific guidance and practices to address the prevention of (and, if necessary, management of) any direct impact we might experience. This committee has been meeting frequently and we have also been in close communication with our multiple community partner agencies – including the New River Health District/Virginia Department of Health, as well as our local hospitals and law enforcement agencies.
Beginning today (Friday, March 13), we will begin screening all visitors to our facilities, using practices recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). This practice will remain in place at all NRVCS clinics, offices and residential programs until further notice.
In the meantime, we encourage everyone to follow the precautionary guidelines that have been shared by the CDC and the Virginia Department of Health – particularly around the practice of good, basic hygiene (washing your hands thoroughly, coughing into your sleeve, etc.) as this helps minimize the risk of spreading the virus.
If you have a scheduled appointment with NRVCS and are not feeling well, please stay at home and call us to reschedule at a time that is convenient for you. We, of course, will continue to serve individuals who are determined to be in crisis or considered part of a priority population.
While the uncertainty surrounding COVID-19 can be unsettling, it’s also important that we all take care of our mental health during this time. I would encourage you to take extended breaks from watching the news or scrolling through social media. Instead, you might consider listening to music, reading a book, playing with your pet, or exercising. (Included below are some additional resources that you may find helpful.)
We will continue to monitor this situation closely and provide updates as necessary. As Executive Director, I can assure you that we will do everything possible within the scope of our organization to support the New River Valley community during this time.
James Pritchett, LCSW
Executive Director
NRVCS
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES:
New River Health District Hotline for COVID-19 Information:
Call 540-267-8240
- Taking Care of Your Behavioral Health: Tips for Social Distancing, Quarantine, and Isolation During an Infectious Disease Outbreak – brochure from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration
- Coping With Stress During Infectious Disease Outbreaks – information from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration
- Coronavirus and Emerging Infectious Disease Outbreaks Response – fact sheets from the Center for the Study of Traumatic Stress – fact sheets for health care clinicians, mental health guidelines, and taking care of your family, among others
- Mental Health and Coping During COVID-19 – guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention on managing mental health stressors during this time
If you are struggling, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (5233) or the Crisis Text Line (Text “START” to 741-741).
