As a public service, Shaw Media will provide open access to information related to the COVID-19 (Coronavirus) emergency. Sign up for the newsletter here
The Will County Health Department’s Behavioral Health Division is offering mental health care services to residents during the novel coronavirus pandemic.
Residents are able to speak to a mental health professional, free of charge, according to a health department news release.
Gov. JB Pritzker announced the activation of the “CALL4CALM” line earlier this month. Residents can text “TALK” to 552020, provide information and receive a call from a local “caring counselor.” For Spanish calls, they can text “HABLAR.”
“The CALL4CALM text line developed by the state of Illinois is an important resource for those experiencing distress and other psychological consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic crisis,” said WCHD Behavioral Health Director Dr. Joseph Troiani in the news release. “It directly links them with available resources within their communities.”
After the governor announced the program on April 11, the Will County Health Department received a call that day. A dozen calls came in within the first two days. By the middle of the first week, 20 calls were made in Will County.
For residents who do not own a cell phone, they can call the state’s land line number at 217-545-5100 for service.
