Video Update for April 14
Good evening. This is Mayor Paul Brodeur:
I am happy to report that the city has still not experienced a surge in cases. We continue to work with Melrose-Wakefield Healthcare to assist in any way the city can to manage the pandemic.
While this is good news, it is important to recognize the COVID-19 pandemic is having a significant impact on the mental health and wellbeing of our communities. With feelings of anxiety, isolation, and uncertainty becoming increasingly prevalent, mental health care is a vital part of our health care system.
Taking care of yourself during these stressful times is incredibly important. This means taking time to pay attention your own mental health. Here are some strategies that healthcare providers use to manage their own stress in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic that might be helpful to you:
- Take brief relaxation/stress management breaks.
- Take time-outs for basic bodily care and refreshment.
- Do your best to maintain helpful self-talk and avoid overgeneralizing fears.
- Focus efforts on what is within your power and acceptance of situations that cannot change.
This advice comes from William James College. They run the Interface program. The City offers the Interface program to any Melrose resident who needs help accessing mental health services. You can reach Interface Monday through Friday from 9 am to 5 pm for help or can visit their website at any time for more information. If you or somebody you know in Melrose needs help, I urge you to take advantage of this free resource.
And I want to provide you with an update on Melrose Helps.
- Over 150 volunteers are busy calling all Melrose residents who are over 70;
- Masks have been delivered to Melrose residents, including all residents of senior citizen complexes, and more are available; and
- The Emergency Fund has received over $6,000 in donations.
To get more information on how to volunteer, request help including masks, or donate to the Emergency Fund, please visit MelroseHelps.org, send an email to melrosehelps@cityofmelrose.org or call 781-979-4191. Thank you to all the volunteers who are making this work and supporting their neighbors. Keep up the good work.
And please continue to follow the basics that will keep us all safe: stay home whenever possible, practice good hygiene, and watch your physical distancing.
Remember, together we will get through this.
Thank you and good night.