FCA, one of Long Island’s largest not-for-profit organizations, has launched an Essential Worker Support Line for those serving our communities throughout Nassau and Suffolk County during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The coronavirus global health crisis continues to cause waves of crippling life-altering disturbances and challenges to our everyday existence. Many have been stuck home in isolation following social distancing orders, while others have been out on the frontlines making sure that essential needs are still met and crucial services remain available.
From grocery store clerks and gas station attendants, to healthcare workers and sanitation teams - it took a pandemic to truly bring to light what it takes to keep our communities running and how society sometimes overlooks the contributions of everyday heroes. Long hours, work that is emotionally and physically taxing and time away from families all take a toll.
That’s why FCA is launching the Essential Worker Support Line designed to offer mental health and wellness resources for healthcare and other frontline pandemic workers. This service will provide a friendly voice on the other end of the line to listen, share thoughts and concerns with, or even just to serve as an outlet and sounding board. For those filled with fear and anxiety, those overworked and overtired, and the essential workers who have experienced a great deal in just a short amount of time, FCA’s team of mental health counselors has stepped up to the plate to provide support to those who have sacrificed so much. This group of trained professionals will be available Monday through Friday from 7am through midnight.
FCA would like to remind those who have faced and continue to fight the COVID-19 pandemic head on, that they are not alone. With a 135-year history of protecting and serving Long Islanders in need, FCA remains ready and prepared to help.
“We all know someone who has been working on the front lines during this pandemic” said FCA Chief Operating Officer Lisa Burch. “Many of us have watched those we know, and love break down after long shifts in hospitals and nursing homes or be filled with anxiety after spending all day trying to keep the shelves stocked at the local market. Sometimes you just need to pick up the phone and talk to someone about your day before heading home. Sometimes you need to cry or vent. This support line can be that friendly voice and listening ear – even for five minutes”.
For more information on this newly launched service, please call the Essential Worker Support Line at (516)281-0202.