Behavioral Health Is an Essential Part of Wellness

Feelings of loneliness and isolation, critical losses like canceled events and missed experiences, unemployment, family disruption, illness, or death of a loved one — grief is felt differently this year, with more loss than typical and limited ability to rebuild resilience within our normal support systems.

Many can relate to “pandemic burnout” and “zoom fatigue;” however the challenges we face go much deeper than what we might see on the surface.

Mental health symptoms and the demand for services have jumped wildly during the pandemic.

Local overdose deaths are on the rise, alcohol use has soared, emergency room data shows an increase in suicide attempts, and more children are seen for mental health emergency visits. The number of new patients seen by UPMC Western Behavioral Health at Safe Harbor increased from 196 per month in 2019, to 215 per month in 2020. Existing patient visits also hit unprecedented levels.

HHF is proud to support the services offered by UPMC Western Behavioral Health at Safe Harbor.

We must help ensure individuals are aware of their community’s resources, particularly life-saving suicide prevention and overdose prevention supports.

If you are interested in learning more about Safe Harbor’s services, want to volunteer, or support our mission financially, please contact Mandy Fauble, PhD, LCSW executive director, at faublem2@upmc.edu, or call 814-459-9300.

Contact Crisis Services 24/7/365 at 800-300-9558 if you are experiencing significant distress or suicidal thoughts, or are concerned about a loved one in this situation.

Get help for substance use concerns 24/7/365 at 1-800-662-4357.