| Dear Editor, As the coronavirus pandemic lurches through its unwelcome second year and our state, country, and the world continue to suffer its effects, the mental health toll taken on individuals, families, and entire communities is undeniable. And that’s where the Resilient Arizona Crisis Counseling Program can help. Resilient Arizona provides 100% free and confidential support and connections to resources for Arizonans impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. State residents can simply call 2-1-1 to connect with a Resilient Arizona crisis counseling provider or visit ResilientArizona.org. Services – including supportive crisis counseling, education, development of coping skills, and connection to appropriate resources – are provided at no cost and are available in English and Spanish to anyone who has been impacted by the pandemic. Services are available via telephone or video conferencing making them easily accessible to all parts of our state. Crisis counseling seeks to prevent the onset of diagnosable mental health disorders by helping individuals understand that they are experiencing common reactions to the extraordinary circumstances of the ongoing pandemic. Crisis counselors find opportunities to engage people, encourage them to talk about their experiences, and teach ways to manage stress. The Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System contracted Tempe-based Solari Crisis & Human Services (formerly Crisis Response Network) to oversee the Resilient Arizona program. Free crisis counseling services are offered by six providers across our state through Dec. 2, 2021. As the CEO and President of Solari, I am humbled to note that Resilient Arizona has provided free crisis counseling services to more than 10,000 of our state’s residents since the program began in June of last year. Our organization is honored to help our fellow Arizonans during this time of great need in our own communities and across the world. In addition to connecting callers with crisis counseling service providers, 2-1-1 Arizona operators can also connect callers with other resources such as housing information/assistance, food insecurity assistance, utility assistance, and more. Callers can choose a self-serve option or the option to speak with a staff person for assistance. These staff members are equipped to provide information, resources, and referrals to help people recover from the effects of the COVID-19 Pandemic. Live operators at 2-1-1 Arizona are available at all times, 24/7/365, to provide FREE assistance and connections to potentially lifesaving resources from local providers across our state. Live-answer service is available in English and Spanish, all day and all night, every day of the year. And help in other languages is also accessible via real-time interpretation assistance. For the Resilient Arizona Crisis Counseling Program and/or connections to other community resources, please call 2-1-1 Arizona at any time. Three simple digits, just dial 2-1-1. Justin Chase CEO and President of Solari Crisis & Human Services |
