March 23,2020
Executive Director, Valerie Ainsworth
EMAIL:vainsworth@mhainessex.org
PHONE: 518-962-2077
THE MENTAL HEALTH ASSOCIATION IN ESSEX COUNTY, INC. (MHA) CONTINUES TO PROVIDE UNINTERRUPTED SERVICES TO ITS CLIENTS AND COMMUNITY DURING THIS CHALLENGING TIME
MHA will remain open and continue to provide services across Essex County using a combination of approaches including telephone and video conferencing. The Mental Health Association in Essex County Inc. (MHA) has taken steps to respond to the current pandemic and is operating in an uninterrupted but modified manner to provide their full-range of services to those in need. Due to modified regulations from multiple New York State Departments, our Westport and Ticonderoga office was been closed. MHA services have moved to remote services to protect both the clients, staff and our community. MHA has acted quickly in response to the Coronavirus pandemic by migrating over 30 staff members to working in the home environment over the last week with minimal delay or interruption in services.
MHA provides vital services to hundreds of individuals through a comprehensive array of programs across Essex County. These services include: Wellness & Recovery, Adirondack Employment Services,
Supported Education, Self Help, Supported Housing, Mobile Crisis, Home Health Coordination and Non Medicaid Care Coordination, and our HOPELINE, which remains fully functional:
The HOPELINE is a phone line that people can call and just talk if they need to. It provides support to those experiencing mental and emotional crises. Our staff is available 24 hours per day, 365 days per year, by calling 1-800-440-8074
MHA’s website and social media sites will be updated frequently regarding updates and change in services if necessary. MHA is committed to supporting the community at this time and recognize the current stressors that we are all currently living in. We know this is a challenging time for everyone. We should all stay at home and be sure to focus on our physical, mental, and social health. To that end and in an effort to support our community, we have launched a new feature on our website, activities. This page will offer daily at-home activities, ideas, etc. for adults to help take care of yourself from a physical, mental and social perspective. Join us at www.mhainessex.com
In times of crisis like these, it is not an option to temporarily halt services, many individuals need to access these services in their everyday lives and rely on these programs to maintain a healthy lifestyle and remain in their homes.
Going forward, services will be conducted by a video or audio connection whenever and wherever possible. We continue to provide minimal but critical staffing to ensure continuity of services and our ability to serve those who may not have access to internet or telephone, or may have needs that are better served using approaches other than telehealth.
If you have any questions regarding MHA services, please call, our business lines are open, (518) 962-2077. Our Office hours are 8am-3:30pm.
Website: www.mhainessex.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mentalhealthny
