Local 891 Member,
The world is certainly a stressful place for most of us these days. But the situation you are being forced to deal with in the school buildings is beyond ridiculous. No one can do all the things that DSF and the school staff expect of us. I am aware of the overwhelming stress and anxiety many of you are facing because of these unreasonable demands. Please know that you're not alone.
You can contact Vincent McParland, Local 891 Membership Assistance Committee Chairman if you need assistance (516) 841-8042 with any issue regarding your mental health as well as substance abuse issues. Please view the video here from the I.U.O.E that includes Vincent McParland. Remember you can not open links to outside content on the DOE network.
I am also re-sending a letter from Ms. Ursulina Ramirez, Chief Operating Officer (DOE) regarding Accessing Mental Health Resources that was sent on March 27, 2020.
Dear DOE Employees,
All of us who chose to pursue a career in public education gain enormous satisfaction from connecting with children, their families, and other educators to help them thrive. Today, the unprecedented challenge we face requires us to physically separate from each other and those we serve. That sudden transition is essential, but it is stressful and alien to who we are as social beings who depend on human contact for support, happiness, and love.
Because we need each other more now than ever, we want to be sure you have access to high quality mental health services available by phone or online while you stay at home. Two resources are especially valuable to helping you find the support you may need. One is the ThriveNYC’s new guide. It identifies services for all New Yorkers, as well as those tailored to the needs of aging New Yorkers, veterans, students, and young people, as well as people harmed by violence, crime, or abuse.
The second primary resource is provided by the New York City Employee Assistance Program (EAP). The NYC EAP will be offering the same services as in the past, continuing to promote stress management, mental health, self-care, education, referrals, and resources to assist you and your family during this very difficult time. But now all the EAP’s services will be provided via phone, text, and/or video calls, with expanded hours from 8:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. You can contact the EAP by email at eap@olr.nyc.gov or call and leave a message at 212-306-7660.
All services are free to New Yorkers and City employees, regardless of insurance coverage or immigration status. For updates, I encourage you to follow the Mayor’s Office of ThriveNYC on Twitter, at @MentalHealthNYC. And as always, NYC Well is available 24/7 to provide a range of mental health support for all New Yorkers and can be reached by calling 1-888-NYC-Well (692-9355), texting “Well” to 65173, or on the web at nyc.gov/nycwell.
We might be physically separated from each other for a while, but you are still close to mental health professionals who can help you cope with these difficult times.
Sincerely,
Ursulina Ramirez
Chief Operating Officer
Tomás Hanna
Chief Human Resources Officer
Stay safe and take the time necessary to care for yourself.
Robert
