Coping tips for those serving on the frontlines

Throughout Wisconsin, frontline workers provide essential health and safety services that keep our communities functioning during the COVID-19 pandemic. Braving increased risks to help others is part of their jobs, but it can come with a cost. Routine stress, added to the rational concern many frontline workers have for their own health and the well-being of their loved ones, can leave these professionals—and their families—vulnerable to the negative effects of secondary trauma and other mental and behavioral health challenges, like suicidal thoughts and harmful substance use.

Try these five strategies

• Build a solid foundation: Invest in your health with adequate sleep, good nutrition, regular physical activity, and active relaxation.

• Connect with colleagues: Celebrate successes and mourn sorrows with your co-workers as a group.

• Take breaks: Time away from work, whenever possible, can help you see beyond the immediate crisis.

• Stay connected: Communicate with friends and family as often as you can, even if you are practicing self-isolation.

• Talk it out: Consider talking about your experiences and emotions with a trusted peer or mental or behavioral health professional. It’s okay to reach out for support, and talking can help.

https://www.dhs.wisconsin.gov/covid-19/providers.htm?fbclid=IwAR3otVJ5-e6eVLuDbL768PgiOUVfIGx-vOfXRqnmP6WCEsn2xTKT54Af4-A

More Wisconsin Residents Can Now Qualify for Food Assistance

Income threshold raised for emergency food pantry program during the COVID-19 Pandemic

The Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) announced today more households will now be able to get food through the Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP).
Households with incomes below 300% of the federal poverty level (FPL) are now eligible to receive a monthly share of locally grown, Grade-A foods that include meat, vegetables, fruit, juice, and more from a TEFAP food pantry. For a household of one, that income threshold is $38,280. The larger the household, the higher the income threshold. Previously TEFAP’s qualifying income threshold was 185% FPL, or $23,606 for a household of one. View the entire news release.

https://www.dhs.wisconsin.gov/news/releases/060820.htm

OFFICE LOCATIONS

UNIFIED COMMUNITY SERVICES

24 HOUR CRISIS: 1 (800) 362-5717

Telehealth Available


LANCASTER
200 W. Alona Lane
(608) 723-6357

DODGEVILLE
1122 Professional Drive
(608) 935-2776

To request services, make a referral, or to get more information, either call or come to a Unified Community Services office.

DISCRIMINATION/EQUAL OPPORTUNITY

It is our policy to make services available and accessible. No person shall be denied services or be discriminated against on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, sex, religion, political beliefs or disabilities. If you need assistance to access services, please contact the Equal Opportunity Coordinator at (608) 723-6357.

Cost

In many cases, health insurance, Medicaid or Medicare will cover some of or the entire bill. If you have insurance for which Unified Community Services is not a provider, you will be referred to your insurance company to determine which providers are part of their network. Fees are on a sliding scale*, based on your ability to pay. Consultation on insurance arrangements is available, and we bill insurance companies directly. Services will not be denied if you are unable to pay.
*Fee for Intoxicated Driver Assessment may not be reduced or waived.