As COVID-19 pandemic continues to take the lives of Iowans and positivity rates climb,Iowans’ mental health continues to take a toll.

During National Suicide Prevention Month, COVID Recovery Iowa is reminding residents of its free virtual counseling and assistance funded by the Federal Emergency Management Agency. Covid Recovery Iowa Specialty Coordinator for Domestic Violence, Homelessness, Substance Use and Mental Health Angela Sjullie explains how people in local communities can help those struggling with mental health, “I think educating ourselves, realizing that suicide is unfortunate, noticing signs of an individual who may be down and out. People are not mentally okay right now and we have to be okay with that by making sure that we’re offering that support or listening or providing the resources needed. Even just a phone call, a phone call to someone who may be struggling, maybe noticing the signs through facebook or even in person.”

SjullIe added that with the spread of the Delta variant and the mental strain the COVID pandemic has brought on to many people, COVID Recovery Iowa’s funding was extended from this past May to the end of the year. For more information on available resources and how you can help bring awareness, visit here.