Cook County Public Health and Human Services (PHHS) is seeking volunteers to staff a Community Support call-in line, county officials announced today.

The Community Support call-in line is a behavioral health initiative being launched in response to the COVID-19 pandemic said Family and Children Services Supervisor Grace Bushard. Its purpose is to provide after-hours support by local, trained volunteers who can offer callers a listening ear, as well as information on coping skills and connections to additional resources.

“Because many people are feeling stress related to our current situation, there is an increased need for behavioral health support,” said Bushard. “The Community Support call-in line will assist us in meeting that need.”

Individuals with experience and training in counseling or therapy and who are interested in sharing their time and energy are asked to register with Minnesota Responds (www.mnresponds.org).  After registering, each individual will receive detailed information on how to become involved in this effort.  (Volunteers may be asked to complete a background study.)

About Minnesota Responds 

Minnesota Responds is a partnership that integrates and engages local, regional and statewide volunteer programs to strengthen public health and health care response. The Minnesota Responds tool allows local public health to pre-register, manage and mobilize volunteers to help their communities respond to all types of incidents.

To register, visit www.mnresponds.org and follow the prompts to join the “NE MN Responds Unit/Cook County Program.” Key points follow:

• Indicate whether you are a medical or non-medical volunteer. Community Support call-in volunteers are considered non-medical
• Complete all contact information, including email address and phone number(s). This step is critical, as it will allow PHHS to contact you to answer questions and discuss volunteer opportunities
• Complete local orientation and training prior to receiving a volunteer assignment