Latino Task Force launches Mental Health Hotline to help cope with COVID-19

The Kern County Latino COVID-19 Task Force is proud to launch its new mental health and wellness hotline this week. The hotline is aimed at connecting those with COVID concerns with mental health experts, health counselors and others that can provide helpful information and resources as the pandemic surges during the holidays.

Organizers of the Latino COVID-19 Task Force say the Coronavirus has affected everyone on many different levels, from dealing with business restrictions, wearing masks publicly, social distancing, learning in virtual education classrooms, employment concerns or general worries about the safety of oneself and their families.

“This has been a tough year, mentally and emotional for many people of all ages,” said Jay Tamsi, co-founder of the Kern County Latino COVID-19 Task Force. “This virus has affected us all in one way or another and people need a safe, confidential source that can assist their personal needs.”

The hope is that the hotline will be a source of contact for people who need someone to talk to and can benefit from receiving helpful information, whether it’s referring them to COVID-19 testing sites, mental health and substance abuse treatment; economic and housing assistance and holiday food drives among other resources. The Task Force has been working closely with counselors, medical advisers and community leaders to create this hotline and make it accessible to residents of Kern.

The hotline began December 15. It is accessible in English and Spanish, Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Individuals dealing with stress, worries and other concerns related to the pandemic are encouraged to call the hotline. Conversations are extremely confidential and anonymous. Trained operators answering the hotline may put you in touch with professional counselors.

To access this free community hotline call, (661) 525-5900 or (661) KCL-5900.

For more information on the Kern County Latino COVID-19 Task Force, FREE COVID-19 testing sites and other local resources visit http://www.kchcc.org/taskforce