By Howard Packowitz
BLOOMINGTON – If the holidays produce stress, anxiety, and loneliness instead of joy, a collaborative group of health care leaders, local government and law enforcement agencies are sending a reminder that services are available to help people get through this time.
The supervisor of the county’s Behavioral Health Coordinating Council, Trisha Malott, is encouraging people to reach out to their personal support systems and take necessary self-care steps.
If there’s an immediate crisis, the Center for Human Services mobile crisis team and PATH, which stands for Providing Access to Help, are available 24 hours a day.
The Center for Human Services and PATH can be reached by dialing 2-1-1. PATH can also be reached at 888-865-9903 and Center for Human Services can also be contacted by calling 309-827-5351.
PATH also answers calls for the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, which can be reached at 800-273-TALK.
Chestnut Health Systems has a crisis stabilization Unit for people who don’t need hospitalization, but can’t remain in their homes. People needing the crisis stabilization unit or other mental health and substance abuse services at Chestnut can call 309-827-6026.
Additional outpatient services are available through the Center for Human Services at 309-827-5351.
People facing life-threatening situations are urged to call 9-1-1 or go to the nearest hospital emergency room.
“Bloomington, Normal, McLean County and our associated health providers remain dedicated to working with community partners in collaborative efforts to create long-term sustainable improvements regarding behavioral health,” the service providers said in a news release.
Howard Packowitz can be reached at [email protected]
