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Free crisis counseling

Help available for residents under stress due to pandemic

Free crisis counseling is available for all who have been placed under stress by the new coronavirus pandemic.

Jade Pakkala, community behavioral health specialist with Lutheran Social Services in Minot, said in an email that Project Renew is part of a collaboration between the state and Lutheran Social Services. The program is funded by the federal Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration and Federal Emergency Management Agency for disaster relief for COVID-19.

“We are offering free, confidential crisis outreach and support, referrals and assistance to anyone who was impacted by COVID,” said Pakkala. “This could be anyone affected by isolation, illness, financial stress, anxiety, feeling overwhelmed or just needing someone to confide in. This program is specifically for the state of North Dakota. … We are trying to get the word out about this amazing program that can help people in need of assistance or support. Minot is a strong community that has always had a passion for coming together to help its state.”

Terri Burns, team leader for Project Renew, said the project has been up and running for about a month, and crisis counselors have so far fielded about 30 phone calls.

Twenty-one crisis counselors across the state are working with the project, all of whom have specialized training in mental health.

“If anyone is struggling with anything, no matter how small it is, then please reach out to us,” Burns said.

Whenever a call comes in, the counselor will ask the caller which county he or she is calling from. Counselors will be able to make referrals to agencies or other sources of help in the caller’s area.

“If we don’t know, we can find out,” Burns said.

Burns said a virtual crisis counseling group session will soon be offered via Zoom on parenting during the coronavirus crisis. Burns said that session will give parents a chance to connect online with other parents who are dealing with some of the same problems, such as whether to send their children back to school.

More information about the timing of that group counseling session will be offered in the coming days.

People can reach out for help by calling 223-1510, by emailing renew@lssnd.org or by logging onto projectrenew.nd.gov. The state also has other behavioral health resources available online at behavioralhealth.nd.gov.

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