#TexansRecoveringTogether Eases Loneliness During The Holidays

WACO, TX – December is the last month of the year and is known for its holiday cheer. However, the social isolation and separation everyone experiences during the pandemic brings forth feelings of depression, social anxiety, addiction, and hoarding; each of these is a product of loneliness. #TexansRecoveringTogether is doing its part to help those who are isolated because of the pandemic, and from McLennan, Bosque, Falls, Hill, Freestone, and Limestone counties, by providing a service unique from other crisis programs.

According to the Making Caring Common Project study by Harvard Graduate School of Education, 36% of Americans say they’ve felt more lonely than usual during the pandemic.#TexansRecoveringTogether is a non-traditional, short-term, outreach-based crisis counseling program available to those affected by the COVID-19 pandemic and Texas Winter Storm Disaster. All services are free, confidential, anonymous, and offered throughout the community.

“We counselors and support staff recognize and empathize with survivors who are isolated because of the pandemic,” said Vince Erickson, Project Manager for the #TexansRecoveringTogether Heart of Texas region. “We’re here to let survivors know that they’re not alone, that we’re here to help them realize their own personal strength and resources, to access community resources, and help them eventually recover from this unprecedented disaster.”

Since April 2020, #TexansRecoveringTogether’s diverse team of staff and crisis counselors already helped nearly 31,000 Central Texans with:

  • Resource navigation and referrals to professionals in the mental health field
  • Free mental health assessments
  • Connecting survivors to support groups for people experiencing anxiety, loneliness, and grief
  • Coping skills development
  • Health education
  • Self-care tips and training

COVID-19 and Texas Winter Storm Disaster support is available, with services offered Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., by calling toll-free (866) 576-1101 or visiting www.trthotccp.org

CONTACTS:

Vince Erickson, Project Manager

Vince.Erickson@hotrmhmr.org

Cell: (254) 265-2030

Tanya Ledesma, Media Liaison

Tanya.Ledesma@hotrmhmr.org

Cell: (254) 640-5229

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