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OFFICE OF MENTAL HEALTH ANNOUNCES NEW VIDEO SERIES TO HELP PARENTS AND STUDENTS PREPARE FOR RETURN TO SCHOOL

Series of YouTube Videos Addresses Concerns from New Yorkers and Offers Tips for Coping

The New York State Office of Mental Health today announced a series of ‘Back to School 2021’ videos to assist and support parents, caregivers and students as they prepare for the new school year.

OMH Commissioner Dr. Ann Sullivan said, “This has been an extremely trying year for the students of New York and for their parents. Some students haven’t been in the classroom for 18 months. Others have had to juggle hybrid learning. It’s been a period of extreme sacrifice and now, as we prepare to enter the 2021-22 school year, we want parents and students to know that we are here to support you and your mental health.”

The videos are targeted to parents and caregivers as well students with topics that include:

•  the impact the COVID-19 pandemic has had on children and adolescents,

•  ways to support yourself and others,

•  how to get help when you need it,

•  age-specific information on promoting mental wellness in children- from birth to young adulthood.

•  an overview of the Crisis Text Line, a national, text-based crisis counselor service.

OMH surveyed hundreds of New York children and families to learn what might be causing anxiety and concern ahead of this school year. The videos will help kids and parents deal with the stress and other issues caused by the pandemic over the last 18 months, and also offer additional resources that have been compiled by the Office of Mental Health, including:

•  Resiliency tips for New Yorkers,

•  Conversation starters to check in on someone’s mental health,

•  Brochures on supporting children’s Emotional Development by age group, and

•  NY Project Hope resources for teens, parents, and young children.

Additionally, OMH’s NY Project Hope Emotional Support Helpline (1-844-863-9314) continues to help support students and caregivers during this transition. The Helpline is open from 8:00 am to 10:00 pm Monday through Friday. Trained crisis counselors can listen to your concerns and offer suggestions for coping. It also provides linkages for callers who need additional support.

OMH launched the Emotional Support Helpline in March 2020 as part of the agency’s COVID-19 response and to date the line has handled 70,000 calls and provided free, confidential, and anonymous assistance to New Yorkers across the state.

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Stories of Hope and Resilience

https://wbng.com/2021/03/10/watch-new-york-woman-given-prescription-to-hug-granddaughter-after-receiving-covid-19-vaccine-2/

https://www.wicz.com/story/43389913/local-school-district-holds-webinar-to-address-students-social-and-emotional-needs

https://wbng.com/2020/05/12/vestal-school-employee-creates-over-the-top-videos-educate-and-make-students-smile/ 

https://wbng.com/2020/05/04/red-cross-offers-virtual-assistance-to-those-coping-with-loss-from-covid-19-2 

VOICES Recovery Center Peer Advocates Sharing Coping Strategies

https://www.goodmorningamerica.com/living/story/gym-teacher-students-active-daily-fitness-challenges-70268564

https://www.pressconnects.com/picture-gallery/news/local/2020/04/16/coronavirus-binghamton-homeless-outreach-worker-canvasses-streets/5127248002/

https://wbng.com/2020/04/20/daily-workouts-how-a-local-teacher-is-keeping-her-students-active/

https://wbng.com/2020/04/18/yoga-studio-hopes-free-classes-will-help-people-disconnect-during-crisis/

https://www.cbsnews.com/news/coronavirus-anxiety-disorder-what-to-do-doctor-advice/

https://wbng.com/2020/04/16/inside-the-virtual-classroom-local-school-switches-to-full-day-online-learning/ 

http://www.wicz.com/story/42011634/binghamton-university-hosting-online-debate-classes

Additional Stories of Hope and Resilience

Hotlines/Helplines

  • NYS COVID-19 Emotional Support Helpline - 844-863-9314
  • Mental Health Support for Frontline and Essential Workers - Text FRONTLINE to 741-741
  • *CPEP - 607-762-2302 or toll-free 800-451-0560
  • Suicide Prevention Life Line - 800-273-8255
  • Crisis Text Line - Text “Got5” to 741741
  • *MHAST Peer Support Warm Line - 607-240-7291
  • Veterans Crisis Line - 800-272-8255 & Press 1     https://www.veteranscrisisline.net
  • *Domestic Violence through RISE - 607-754-4340 or 877-754-4340
  • *Mobile Crisis Response  - 607-766-1369
  • *Greater Binghamton Health Center Mobile Integration Team (MIT) - 607-763-2761
  • *Crime Victims Assistance Center (CVAC) Hotline - 607-722-4256
    If you are unable to safely and freely speak, we also have a text line 607-725-8196
  • NYS Hopeline through Office of Addiction Services and Supports - 877-8-HOPENY (877-846-7369); Text467369

*Services locally provided 

Virtual Support

DISCLAIMER: This is not designed to be an exhaustive list. Being listed on the website does not constitute an endorsement by Broome County Mental Health Department.

Respite Services

Please contact the individual service for eligibility requirements

  • Greater Binghamton Health Center - Adolescent Crisis Respite: 607-773-4625
  • Mental Health Association of the Southern Tier - “Our House” Crisis Respite Home: 607-771-8888 Ext 350
  • Achieve (COVID-19 Specific) - 607-723-8361

DISCLAIMER: This is not designed to be an exhaustive list. Being listed on the website does not constitute an endorsement by Broome County Mental Health Department.

Resources for Parents/Children

Resources for Teens/Young Adults

Veterans Resources

Resources for Adults/General

Coping with Stress and Anxiety


Dealing with Grief and Loss

Meditation

Work-Life Balance

Resources for Seniors

Addiction Prevention

Other Services

If you find that you are still in need of services, please reach out to one of the following local resources.

 

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