During the COVID-19 pandemic Child and Family Guidance Center (CFGC) has seen an increase in our clients’ mental health challenges such as depression, anxiety, trauma, and family conflict. This can lead to an increased risk of serious mental health problems, school drop-outs, substance use, suicide, and chronic health issues.

Despite the difficulties and unpredictable long-term impact of the COVID-19 pandemic CFGC’s services continue to provide vital mental healthcare in a time when funding will likely be reduced. Many of CFGC’s clients are not eligible for government benefits and have lost jobs, food and housing security. Distance learning is a challenge for CFGC’s clients who do not have computer, internet and smart phone access.

The challenges associated with transforming CFGC’s mental healthcare services into tele-health services and providing personal protective equipment (PPE) for staff to deliver crisis care safely and effectively are increasing our costs. Please help CFGC sustain life-saving mental health services for our vulnerable children and families during the COVID-19 pandemic. This Mental Health Awareness Month please consider making a donation or becoming a CFGC General Fund Member today.