WMCHealth sustains community health and wellness amid the coronavirus pandemic
The sudden onset of the coronavirus pandemic caused fear and anxiety among New Yorkers. Steps to stem the spread of the virus such as social distancing made many feel isolated and lonely, increasing already elevated emotional distress. Pivoting to meet the needs of the Hudson Valley community during the COVID-19 crisis, WMCHealth launched a Virtual Health and Wellness Series to provide these services remotely.
In partnership with The LOFT LGBT Community Center and Hudson Valley LGBTQ Community Center, WMCHealth hosted Pride 2020, Surviving and Thriving, a virtual education session about LGBTQ mental health and wellness in the age of COVID-19. The session featured behavioral health experts from WMCHealth and the executive directors from both centers.
The Heal-THY Self Virtual Series offered counseling and coping resources for faith leaders on the spiritual frontline of comforting congregants during COVID-19. Participants included the director of WMCHealth’s Behavioral Health Center as well as the head of network chaplaincy.
Moderated by WMCHealth’s senior vice president, diversity, inclusion and community engagement, this series offers valuable information to the Hudson Valley community — in the safety and comfort of their own homes. The debut event explored several facets of the COVID-19 pandemic from the African American perspective. Panelists included African American Men of Westchester health committee chairs and Westchester Medical Center’s chief medical officer.
For more information, contact Michelle Johnson, senior director, diversity, inclusion and community engagement, at community@wmchealth.org.
