History
Problem
As the COVID-19 pandemic continues, the associated anxiety we are experiencing as a community, particularly around loneliness and isolation continues. For the general public, the mental health effects of COVID-19 are as essential to address as the physical health effects. For the one in five who already have mental health conditions, or those who are at risk of developing them, we need to take measures now to address them.
With the changes in schools and learning models, and disruptions in activities and social lives, children and adolescents are at especially high risk for emotional, attentional, or behavioral difficulties. Young people are are experiencing thoughts of suicide or self-harm at alarmingly high rates.
On the other end of the age spectrum, physical distancing has taken a heavy toll on the mental health of our Senior population. Living alone and being more digitally isolated, are risk factors, as are fears of re-entering the community as things open up.
The events of 2020/21 had profoundly different mental health impacts on racial and ethnic groups and we cannot ignore racial differences when discussing the mental health impact of the pandemic, and need to develop support for communities of color.
Mission
Therefore, In light of this crisis, and because we know that history has shown that the mental health impact of disasters outlast the physical impacts, the Marblehead Covid Mental Health Task Force will convene as a cross-sector group of community leaders to ensure that we are addressing and providing the appropriate intervention strategies to guide our citizens, and particularly the most vulnerable, toward improved mental health.
The Task Force is created, and will operate, under the auspices of the Marblehead Board of Health, and will report to the Board of Health.