In an effort to support health care workers throughout Rhode Island and its neighboring communities during the COVID-19 pandemic, the state’s two largest health care systems have come together to offer a mental health support line specifically for health care workers. Launched on Thursday, April 30, the line is staffed by behavioral health experts from Care New England’s Butler Hospital, The Providence Center, and Women and Infants Hospital and Lifespan’s Division of Adult Psychiatry and Behavioral Health at Rhode Island, The Miriam and Newport Hospitals.
Callers to 401-606-6000, Monday through Saturday, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., will be immediately offered an appointment for support, free of charge, with an individual health care provider. If services are required beyond this support call, the caller will be referred for appropriate treatment. In keeping with best practices for inhibiting virus transmission by limiting contact, Lifespan and Care New England providers alike have nimbly moved behavioral health services to telemedicine formats, providing appointments by phone and by video chat, and appointments are readily available.
“During this time of COVID-19, health care workers are concerned for the health of their patients, their colleagues, and their families,” said James K. Sullivan, M.D., Ph.D., chief medical officer of Butler Hospital and chief of psychiatry, Care New England. “With the uncertainty of viral transmission, no doubt these workers are apprehensive about their own well-being as well. However, they march into duty each day to fight this pandemic. The stress of this responsibility is tremendous. With this resource, our goal is to offer professional support to Rhode Island health care workers during this unprecedented time.”
“Lifespan is proud to partner with Care New England to offer this service to our fellow health care workers during COVID-19,” said Jody A. Underwood, M.D., psychiatrist in chief for Rhode Island Hospital, The Miriam Hospital and Lifespan Physician Group. “This is a vital service that we’ve been offering to our own staff, ensuring that those who care for others are also being cared for. Collaborating with Care New England’s behavioral health professionals now enables us to reach beyond our own respective walls, supporting our counterparts in other hospitals, nursing homes, EMS, private practices, home care, and all health care workers who may need our services as we weather this pandemic.”