On a normal day working for LSSI’s Project IMPACT, a behavioral health crisis program in 4 Chicago hospital emergency rooms, performing ER psychiatric evaluations is a highly stressful job. Doing this job amidst the COVID-19 scare in a setting with extreme exposure to the virus intensifies exponentially the tension and unique challenges presented by this environment.
Our crisis mental health counselors and social workers are not able to work from home. Any employee with cold symptoms cannot work and could be sent home for many days. The ER doctors and nurses depend on our counselors to evaluate and place patients needing psychiatric care quickly to keep the ER available for patients who may need COVID-19 testing and acute medical care.
As awareness about the crisis in Illinois grew, our courageous Project IMPACT workers answered the call immediately. Michelle, pictured here, offered to work extra shifts for colleagues worried about their own exposure, unable to work while being sick, or needing to stay home with children. She has taken on many additional shifts in recent weeks.
Other Project IMPACT staff members have also stepped in to cover for colleagues when needed. One person unable to work temporarily has been sewing masks at home for her colleagues.
Thank you to these dedicated staff members and countless workers in Illinois hospitals and medical settings where people are constantly being tested or treated for COVID-19. These individuals who work in increasingly challenging conditions and confront health risks every day deserve our highest appreciation as they live out LSSI’s mission to bring healing, justice, and wholeness to people and communities.
