Vernon Setting Up Pandemic Support System

VERNON, CT — As part of its "recovery strategy" from the coronavirus pandemic, the town of Vernon has set up a "mental health support" system for residents.

Town officials said the system is designed for to address grief, loss, anxiety, depression and "other feelings," which are "natural responses" to the stresses of the pandemic.

The Town is offering support groups, led by a trained facilitator, for residents who would like an opportunity to share their experiences and concerns or to listen to others.

"The town of Vernon has offered safe access to groceries and other essential supplies, COVID-19 testing and established a nationally-recognized vaccination program to help people get through the pandemic," Vernon Mayor Daniel Champagne said. "As part of our ongoing local recovery effort we are now offering free support groups for our residents."

The Vernon Department of Social Services is offering the groups through public-private and community partnerships. Solstice Healthcare, Priority Urgent Care and the Vernon Community Network, will organize the support groups for adults, officials said.

Support groups for children will feature "Gizmo," Vernon’s Comfort Canine and a member of the C.E.R.T. team, will also be offered. Children will receive a copy of Gizmo’s Pawesome Guide to Mental Health, which helps children better understand mental health, officials said.

"This has been a stressful time for many in our community," said Michael Purcaro, Vernon's town administrator and emergency and risk management director. "Some are struggling with the loss of loved ones or friends, loss of a job and general uncertainty about the pandemic and the reopening of society. Our goal is to help people positively address those stressors."

More than 40 percent of adults have reported symptoms of anxiety or depressive disorder during the pandemic, Vernon officials said, citing statistics released by the Kaiser Family Foundation, which studies national health issues.

Town officials also cited a U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention report that states stress caused by the pandemic can cause feelings of fear, anger, sadness, worry, and frustration that can have a variety of physical impacts, including worsening existing health and mental health conditions.

"Joining with a small group to talk or listen can help people begin to move forward,” said Michelle Hill, Vernon's acting director of social services. "This is an important part of the recovery process. Mind, body and spirit ... they're all connected."

Discussion topics will include:

• Loneliness and Isolation Resulting in Grief and Loss
• Strengthening Your Relationships Post-Pandemic
• Transitioning Back to ‘Normal’
• Healthy Lifestyle Tips for Post-pandemic Life

Youth Social and Emotional Learning Sessions with Gizmo the Dog For more information or to sign up, please call Vernon Social Services at 860-870-3661.