Telecommunicator Wellness and COVID-19 Resources

Dear North Carolina APCO Chapter Members and Public-Safety Communications Community:

I understand that the spread of Coronavirus (COVID-19) has impacted each of you with its unprecedented upheaval in your daily lives. North Carolina APCO is honored and committed to helping the public-safety communications community with the best information, including resources that are relevant and actionable.

We are living in unprecedented times. Each day we her more distressing reports of how COVID-19 is quickly emerging as a true health crisis throughout the United States, with a recent upsurge in North Carolina. It is natural to be unnerved by this ominous crisis, but there are a few things that you, as public-safety professionals, can do to help better sustain throughout this pandemic.

Serving as the true first, first responders, Public-Safety Telecommunicators are on the very front line of this pandemic and serve a vital role of ensuring the safety of the general public while also protecting field responders. Serving on the front line of this constantly evolving pandemic can be both mentally and physically taxing to communications professionals, and you cannot take care of others without first taking care of yourself.

There are some specific resources that I want to make you aware of that can help you with taking care of your own mental and physical health, and ensuring you are accessing accurate and reliable facts about COVID-19.

Safe Call Now

Safe Call Now is a resource for public safety employees to speak with highly trained peers and/or mental healthcare providers who are familiar with the public safety line of work. Safe Call Now is a safe and confidential place to turn to get help from individuals who understand the demands of emergency services. To access this 24 hour resource, call 206-459-3020. Additional information is also available by visiting their website at www.safecallnow.org.

Joyages Brain Health

Joyages is a new app that is designed to help first responders reduce stress and live happier. This preventative care program helps improve brain health, and in less than three minutes each day, can help you create a happier, healthier life. This program is 100% free, provided as a courtesy by Safe Call Now. The app is available in the Google Play and Apple App Store. When creating your account, use company code “SCN20” to get started. Additional information is available by visiting their website at www.joyages.com.

Crisis Text Line

The Crisis Text Line is a free 24/7 resource for those in a crisis. To access the services, simply send a text message to 741741. You will initially receive two automated responses that will confirm that you are being connected to a live Crisis Counselor. Typically you will be connected to a Crisis Counselor within five minutes, and will allow you to text back and forth to help you sort through your feelings by asking questions, empathizing, and actively listening. Additional information is available by visiting their website at www.crisistextline.org.

NC APCO Website

As a service to our members, North Carolina APCO is providing a centralized location that will provide credible and reliable information related to COVID-19. We invite you to bookmark and visit www.ncapco.org/covid to access this information.

I am inspired as I see communities throughout North Carolina, and the United States, coming together to fight this pandemic. As a member driven organization, North Carolina APCO remains committed to serving our membership during this these trying times. As your Chapter President, please know that I am only a phone call, text message or email away and will do all I can within the means of our organization to provide any assistance.

Please stay safe and know that your dedication and service to your community is always appreciated.

Sincerely,

Grayson Gusa

grayson.gusa@ncapco.org

704-637-6262