211 STAFF ON THE FRONT LINE
10,000 More Requests For Help Than Prior Year
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211 Staff answered nearly double the requests for help, going from a daily average of approximately 200 (2019) to over 400 during the weeks following the declaration of a national emergency due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
In the following months, 211's volume remained high and has recently stabilized at 10-20% above last year.
Since March 16th, the 211 team has responded to over 10,000 more requests for help than the prior year.
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“People are really stressed and overwhelmed right now. We're here to help talk them through whatever they're dealing with and to keep them safe.We can provide this crisis support, anytime of the day or night, helping people to make their way through this pandemic and economic challenges."
-Sharon L'Herrou, 211's President/CEO
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During 211's second quarter, staff handled 11,350 requests for help pertaining to mental health/addiction (27% of total call & contact volume) averaging 126 per day with 840 suicide related calls- an average of 9 individuals having suicidal thoughts, actions or concerns per day.
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Housing, rental and utility assistance, healthcare and legal assistance followed by food & meal assistance are the next highest needs categories staff are hearing from callers. |
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Offering Some "Calm" During the Pandemic Storm |
"Callers express feelings of anxiety, fear and hopelessness right now. Just talking about these feelings helps to put things in perspective, and helps them get into a better space emotionally. Callers learn that there are options and services and resources to help."
Gabriel, 211 Resource Center Manager.
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211's Suicide Prevention Proclamation |
Thank you Commissioner Mack Bernard and the Palm Beach County Board of County Commissioners for your continued acknowledgment and support for 211's role in suicide prevention.
Last year 211 staff made a positive impact in the lives of over 3,700 people in suicidal crisis or with concerns about suicide.
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Individuals and families can call 2-1-1 or text their zip code to 898211 any time of the day or night. They can also visit 211PalmBeach.org or 211TreasureCoast.org. 211 staff are also the regional responders to the National Suicide Prevention Helpline at 1-800-273-8255
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211's Snapshot Reports are based on data collected.
This report reflects the breakdown of the needs we
are hearing from our community via calls and contacts.
211 Counts reflects raw data based on calls and requests.
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Caller Stories- During A New Normal |
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"I have been working long hours at home providing mental health therapy to my clients- often 16-hour days"
"Several of my friends also depend on me for emotional support...
"I feel so overwhelmed ...and that I have nothing left to give!"
-"Danny" Behavioral Health Therapist
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"I had Danny tell me about himself and the things he liked to do. He listed his favorite activities. He really loves exercising outdoors and taking his dog for a run. I just reminded him of what he already knew- boundaries and self-care are important for overall well-being. It is ok for caregivers to ask for a little care themselves!"
-Dee, 211 Resource Specialist
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"Dee, you have helped me to feel better about the work that I do! You reminded me that I can set my own boundaries ...
It's OK- for me to take time for myself -even if there's a pandemic!"
-"Danny"
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"Shannon was so distressed...I asked her to take a deep breath. She then shared with me that she couldn't find employment and her boyfriend walked out on her.
Because she mentioned a previous suicide attempt...I wanted to separate her from the threat, the pills she told me about. She also talked about her cats and a favorite niece that lived out of state.
So I told her that I was worried about her and about her pets and the niece who loved her so much. After an earnest discussion...
She agreed to flush the pain pills down the toilet. I was able to have a mobile crisis team speak with her. When I did my follow-up call and she sounded like a weight had been lifted. She was also open to counseling referrals."
-Grace, 211 Resource Specialist.
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Unemployment & Financial Concerns |
"I just lost my job cutting hair at the beginning of the pandemic... It has been really tough!"
"My boyfriend and I just had a big fight and he left!."
"I feel so hopeless...the world is crazy! I don't even want to get up in the morning."
"There is an old bottle of pain meds in the kitchen fridge...I just don't want to live anymore!"
"I was not in a good head space.
Grace took the time to care..."
"She asked me if I wanted someone to come and talk to me... It was the best decision!"
"I want to care for and love my cats, and I do not want to hurt my niece- I love her so much!"
-"Shannon" unemployed woman
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"I don't have anyone to help me. I am so very alone...I am even afraid of the noises I hear at night."
"I feel so sad about all of the tragic things that are happening right now...I just don't want to live through this anymore...It's a terrible time "
"I just wish I were dead and gone from this- why is all this happening!"
"It made me feel good to have someone care about my situation. She reminded me of the things I used to do that I am still able. So I am now going to start some small projects. Cutting back on watching the news-has also helped me feel better. Getting my daily Sunshine call has been a blessing. "
- "Carol" a local senior
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"Carol did not have any remaining family and all of her friends were gone. She was feeling so isolated and overwhelmed by all that she was seeing. Because she was making comments one day that could be red flags- I wanted to check in with her emotionally. I spoke to her several times and we had some long discussions! Other than those few comments- she really did not have a desire to pursue suicide. She also knows that she can reach out to 211 anytime in addition to her Sunshine daily call -Erin, 211 Sunshine Supervisor.
Note- Seniors are under diagnosed for depression and other mental health illnesses.
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Signs of emotional distress can include but are not limited to:
a change in energy and activity levels; increased use of drugs or alcohol; mood swings; trouble sleeping or relaxing; changes in appetite; frequent headaches, stomachaches, or body pains; heightened worrying or anxiety; and inability to feel pleasure. Stay alert for any changes in self or family member's behavior. Help is available and coping strategies may prove helpful, or more in-depth care may be needed.
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Sharon L'Herrou, President/CEO |
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Sharon L’Herrou
President & CEO of 211 Named Chair of the Florida Alliance for Information & Referrals Systems.
She will serve until the end of 2021. FLAIRS is recognized for strengthening information, referral, and crisis services interventions throughout Florida, through advocacy, coordination and education. Key components also contain certification and accreditation of participating agencies to ensure quality service to the community.
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FLAIRS also makes a daily impact in the lives of Floridians with such programs as Help Me Grow- catching children's growth and development delays early, Summer BreakSpots and other feeding programs so critical during this pandemic, and Diabetes Education and Prevention that also includes messaging about healthy heart living and stroke prevention. Learn More...
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You Are Invited- Save The Date |
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211's 4th Annual Lifeline Luncheon Goes Virtual!
November 12, 2020 at 12:00 Noon
Location: Your Place!
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Key Note Speaker Timothy Shriver |
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Hope & Healing
Tim Shriver is a husband, father, educator, best-selling author, and the Chairman of the Special Olympics. In that capacity, he has driven the largest expansion of the organization, growing the movement from one million athletes to over six million athletes in 193 countries around the world.
Shriver has harnessed the power of Hollywood to challenge unconscious bias and share stories of inspiration, executive producing several films including Amistad, The Loretta Claiborne Story, The Ringer, Front of the Class, and The Peanut Butter Falcon.
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Humor
From middle school teacher to comedian, Lisa Corrao proves that snapping can be a good thing! You’ve seen her in over 100 commercials and touring the country opening for A-listers such as Jim Norton and Patton Oswalt.
From presidential performances to Comedy Central, to playing Ramona the witch on Nickelodeon’s Every Witch Way...Lisa is one of the up-and-coming comics to watch.
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Hurricane Season & COVID-19 |
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You Can Help!
If you know of an agency or organization that is providing specialized resources or services during the coronavirus crisis please send information to:
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For available community resources related to COVID-19 |
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Simple Ideas & Mindfulness |
- Take time for self-care
- Learn something new
- Laugh often- watch comedies
- Find a way to "connect" each day
- Turn off the news!
- Make sure information you find is from a reliable source
- Learn how to boost your immune system.
- Get enough quality sleep and rest
- Take the time to exercise
- Don't deprive yourself of a little comfort food- but lean towards fresh fruits & vegetables
- Simply breath! Breath work can reduce anxiety while enhancing the health of your lungs.
Also let someone you trust know how they can best support you...
for available coping tools & strategies
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In many areas, people can still get out into natural spaces. Nature can help uplift and provide a sense of grounding at the same time. |
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Children's Services Council of PBC,
Town of Palm Beach United Way, United Way of PBC,
PBC Board of County Commissioners, Help Me Grow Florida and
The Southeast Florida Behavioral Health Network.
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We thank you for your continued support of 211's mission. Please take the time to help spread our mission by sending this newsletter out to local colleagues.
Follow us on social media below!
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