Coronavirus (COVID-19) Response & Resources

NEW: Managing parent & student stress around return to school & extracurriculars

Have you considered counseling for mental wellness?

It’s a great time to adopt a healthy habit:

Additional Information & Resources:
Akron Childrens Hospital Video Panel: Social, Emotional, and Behavioral Considerations of Return to School 2020 »
Akron Childrens Hospital Return To School: A Resource Guide For Parents »
Search for basic needs and find other resources at StarkHelpCentral.com »

StarkMHAR Updates

Latest:
StarkMHAR staff are working hybrid schedules (some in-office time and some remote time); the main phone line at 330-455-6644 is being answered. The StarkMHAR offices are open; larger groups would require pre-planning to ensure guidelines could be met.

4/3/20
StarkMHAR has canceled trainings scheduled through June 30, 2020. This move aligns with Ohio Governor Mike DeWine’s proactive approach to limit the spread of the coronavirus (COVID-19). Attendees will not be assessed a no-show fee for trainings falling within this time frame as these are extenuating circumstances and outside of anyone’s control and StarkMHAR has chosen to cancel. Thank you for your understanding and patience during this time!

3/17/20
The StarkMHAR offices are temporarily closed to the public until further notice. Our staff has successfully made the transition to working remotely and we are still answering our main phone line at 330-455-6644. This move aligns with Ohio Governor Mike DeWine’s proactive approach to limit the spread of the coronavirus (COVID-19). We appreciate your understanding during this time and we will keep you posted with any updates!

3/13/20
StarkMHAR has canceled trainings scheduled through April 12, 2020. This move aligns with Ohio Governor Mike DeWine’s proactive approach to limit the spread of the coronavirus (COVID-19). StarkMHAR appreciates that the situation is fluid and changing rapidly and we are working hard to address emerging concerns. We understand that most local businesses and organizations have followed suit and have limited their employees ability to attend community events, including trainings. Attendees will not be assessed a no-show fee for trainings falling within this time frame as these are extenuating circumstances and outside of anyone’s control and StarkMHAR has chosen to cancel. StarkMHAR will continue to monitor the environment and assess the situation daily regarding trainings and events scheduled past April 12. Thank you for your understanding and patience during this time!

care network updates

Nearly all Stark County behavioral health agencies are OPEN during the COVID-19 outbreak!

We do not recommend skipping behavioral health appointments during the outbreak. Telehealth services are available to patients. Please contact your behavioral healthcare provider for more information.

Agencies and/or services that are not available at this time:

  • NAMI Stark County – Several virtual support groups are now available through Zoom.A NAMI staff member can be reached by phone at 330-455-6264. (Messages are being checked; leave a voicemail if no answer.)
  • Stark Community Support Network – During the COVID-19 pandemic, Stark Community Support Network is unable to answer their regular phone line. To reach them, please call 330-412-4410 or email scsn_1221@yahoo.com

managing covid-19 related stress

The coronavirus has many people feeling distressed. This is very normal in times of crisis. You can manage these feelings by taking some simple steps. Here are some things you can do to feel better:

1. Get information from a trusted resource: coronavirus.ohio.gov. This website is updated regularly by the Ohio Department of Health in coordination with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. It has the facts on what is happening in Ohio and helpful resources on prevention and testing for you and your family. If you have specific questions, ask an expert at 1-833-4-ASK-ODH (1-833-427-5634). This call center is managed by the Ohio Department of Health and is now open 7 days a week from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.

2. Limit media exposure. Today’s 24-hour news cycle can make it difficult to turn away from the TV, radio, or social media, but research has shown that excess media exposure to coverage of stressful events can result in negative mental health outcomes. Use trusted media outlets to gather the information you need, then turn them off.

3. Reduce your stress and feel better:

  • Be prepared. Prevent risk of illness by taking simple steps that are good practices: Wash your hands. Cover your cough. Increase cleaning. Stay home if you’re sick.
  • Eat healthy foods and exercise to boost your immune system.
  • Get plenty of rest.
  • Stay in touch with friends and loved ones and talk with them about your worries.
  • Keep participating in hobbies and activities that you enjoy to improve your mood.

4. Recognize signs of distress in yourself and family or friends. Signs of stress include worry, fear, sleeping or eating too little or too much, difficulty concentrating, pulling away from people or things at home or work or in daily life, yelling or fighting with family or friends, having thoughts or memories you can’t get out of your head, unexplained aches and pains, feeling hopeless or helpless, thinking of hurting yourself or someone else, and smoking or drinking alcohol more than you should.

5. Seek help if you need it. Help is available 24/7/365.

  • COVID CareLine at 1-800-720-9616.
  • Disaster Distress Helpline at 1-800-985-5990 or text ‘TalkWithUs’ to 66746.
  • Stark County Crisis Hotline & Mobile Response Team at 330-452-6000.
  • Crisis Text Line – text ‘4hope’ to 741-741.

additional resources

Helping Homebound Children During the COVID-19 Outbreak »
10 Mental Health Signs To Watch Out For In Kids During COVID-19 »
Stark County, Ohio Coloring Page »
Conversation Starter Cards »
Ways to Cope with Strong Feelings Related to COVID-19 »
Building Developmental Relationships During COVID-19 (For teachers) »
Stark County Mobile Response Publication »