Coronavirus Community Resources- Central Alabama

The Alabama Department of Mental Health and The Alabama Emergency Management Agency stand together, more prepared to assist citizens in the state with additional resources related to COVID-19 mental health needs, with the awarding of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services (SAMHSA) AL APART TOGETHER grant for Fiscal Year 2021.  

The state now offers crisis resources, help and information through regional providers, through one easy to access statewide Information Line, 1-888-442-1793. 

Any individual, including but not limited to, children, older adults, individuals with disabilities, healthcare professionals, first responders, and administrators working on the frontlines who are experiencing stress or anxiety related to COVID-19, may call the Information Line at 1-888-442-1793. The Information Line will connect individuals with appropriate staff and programs in their local communities to provide vital resources and services.   

“We are grateful for another opportunity to provide Alabama citizens with links to essential supports, during this challenging time of the pandemic,” said Dr. Ileeia Cobb, Director, Office of Policy and Planning, ADMH.  

When an individual seeks assistance from the Information Line, several options are available, including referral services, online support groups, educational materials for social distancing, quarantine, and isolation, and emotional wellbeing during the COVID-19 outbreak, and managing anxiety & stress techniques. For more details on the Information Line, please contact the ADMH Office of Public Information at publicinformatin.dmh@mh.alabama.gov, 334-242-3417. 

As the COVID-19 pandemic grows, many health care systems across the country are beginning to become overrun with patients experiencing symptoms that are common to many illnesses. To alleviate the pressure on health care workers, here is a guide from the University of Alabama at Birmingham to help you determine whether you have a cold, the flu or allergies or are indeed infected with COVID-19. 

COVID-19 is believed to spread from person to person through sneezing or coughing. Respiratory droplets containing the virus can remain on surfaces even after the ill person is no longer near.  "It's important for us to distinguish the difference between COVID-19 and influenza," said William Curry, M.D., associate dean UAB primary care and rural medicine. "This will become apparent with shortness of breath." 

As the number of cases of COVID-19 increase, so does the associated anxiety.

For the general public, the mental health effects of COVID-19 are as important to address as are the physical health effects. And for the one in five who already have mental health conditions – or the one in two who are at risk of developing them – we need to take personal, professional, and policy measures now to address them.

For the past several weeks, MHA has been using its unique database to monitor daily this increase in anxiety. According to our screening data, we experienced a 19 percent increase in screening for clinical anxiety in the first weeks of February, and a 12 percent increase in the first two weeks of March. This suggests that our screeners are not just “worried well.” Instead they represent thousands of people whose lives and sense of well-being are being severely impacted by concerns about the virus. 

As things unfold in the coming days and weeks, MHA will continue to monitor anxiety. To aid individuals and communities during this time, MHA has compiled a range of resources and information.

How should you continue guarding your mental health during this current pandemic? Read about how to manage anxiety and wellbeing as we continue to learn more about COVID-19 and how we proceed in the coming months.  

As millions of people across the United States face greater stress and depression during the pandemic, many existing organizations—national, state, and local—have created and shared resources for mental health and substance use prevention. Check out different organizations that are still providing mental health services and support even during this very difficult time. 

Since the novel coronavirus emerged in December 2019, prompting stay-at-home orders in some states as early as March 2020, daily life changed for many of us and, as of January 2021, hadn’t fully returned to normal. This includes how we access medical and other healthcare services, including substance abuse treatment. When an individual is ready to tackle their substance use disorder (SUD), time is of the essence. Any delay or interruption might derail their ability, willingness, or desire to seek treatment for misuse of alcohol or drugs. Even after rehab, aftercare services such as therapy and support groups are needed to help prevent relapse. Learn more about how to access these services through telehealth and other national mental health services  online.

During this pandemic, we have to look out for each other. That’s why MoveOn.org built a centralized database of resources to help us get through this crisis. Search this database today to find a resource that might help you or a loved one, or suggest a resource to be featured on this site. Find resources on mental health as well as on housing, financial, and other types of basic needs that you can learn more about and connect to for more assistance. 

In an effort to respond to and prevent further spreading of Coronavirus (COVID-19) activity in the State of Alabama, Baptist Health is pleased to open the first drive-up COVID-19 Screening Clinic in Central Alabama.

7:00 AM- 7:00 PM, 7 days a week 

2936 Marti Lane 

Former Governor’s House AFC PriMed facility off the Southern Bypass

24/7 Phone Line available 

No patients will be seen without an appointment. If symptomatic, a concerned patient should call (334) 747-0150 to make an appointment. The patient will be asked a series of questions per the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) decision tree.

If the patient meets certain criteria, they will be instructed to present at the clinic at a specific time and park in one of ten designated parking spaces. When a patient arrives on-site, they should remain in their car at all times.

A Baptist Health team member will approach the car, assess symptoms, and administer screening if needed. All of this happens while the patient remains in the comfort of their own car in order to prevent the spreading of germs in a waiting room setting.

Whether the patient is screened and swabbed for COVID-19 or not, they will receive clear next steps from the medical provider. It is our goal for this clinic to provide a fast, convenient means for suspected Coronavirus patients to receive the best care possible while protecting as many people as possible from exposure.