Indiana launches Be Well Crisis Helpline during COVID-19 pandemic and recovery

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July 20, 2020

Counselors and resources now available 24/7 at Indiana 211 Indiana launches
Be Well Crisis Helpline during COVID-19 pandemic and recovery

INDIANAPOLIS – The Indiana Family and Social Services Administration today
announced the launch of the Be Well Crisis Helpline, a confidential resource
available through Indiana 211 that will allow Hoosiers to call and speak
with a trained counselor 24/7. The free Be Well Crisis Helpline was
established by FSSA’s Division of Mental Health and Addiction in direct
response to the elevated levels of stress and anxiety Hoosiers are
experiencing due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

COVID-19 has caused a rise in mental health-related issues across Indiana
and the entire country, including new stresses brought on by social
isolation and the lack of traditional support systems such as family,
friends, schools, religious and other community organizations. For many
Hoosiers, anxiety regarding financial stress, grief and loss over
bereavement and the loss of one’s “normal routine,” along with all of the
unknowns regarding COVID-19, is overwhelming.

“With the Be Well Crisis Helpline, our intent is to provide easy and free
access to counselors who can listen and help by simply calling 2-1-1,” said
Jennifer Sullivan, M.D., M.P.H., FSSA secretary. “As Hoosiers continue to
cope with the ‘new normal’ of life during a pandemic, with massive
disruptions in their everyday lives, and with emotions ranging from bored to
terrified, it was imperative to build a helpline that could literally be a
lifeline for many.”

Indiana 211 is a free service that connects Hoosiers with assistance and
answers from thousands of health and human service resources across the
state – quickly, easily and confidentially. Earlier this month,
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br/81242022396-l> Indiana 211 officially became part of FSSA, helping enable
specialized programs such as the Be Well Crisis Helpline as needed.

“By calling 2-1-1 (and selecting 3), callers will connect with an
experienced and compassionate counselor specially trained to help with
issues triggered or worsened by COVID-19,” said Jay Chaudhary, J.D., DMHA
director. “The trained counselors will be able to listen, provide support
and promote personal resiliency.”

The Be Well Crisis Helpline is funded by a
<lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDEsInVy
aSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMDA3MjAuMjQ2MDg1MzEiLCJ1cmwiOiJo
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Z3JhbTIwMjBDb21wbGlhbnQucGRmIn0.oDyunrIPEG2u7HAE2AA07pWS8plPXRkWZ4dz8yMZpyE/
s/506680260/br/81242022396-l> Crisis Counseling Assistance and Training
Program grant from the Federal Emergency Management Agency. In Indiana the
program becomes part of the state’s new Be Well Indiana initiative.
Additional information about the mental health resources available to
Hoosiers is available at BeWellIndiana.org.