COVID-19 pandemic is urging volunteers to help medical workers during these unprecedented times
Hundreds of Ontario mental healthcare workers are stepping up to the plate during the COVID-19 pandemic. More than 450 licensed psychologists, psychotherapists, and social workers are offering teletherapy to frontline healthcare workers.
Linda Bond is a Registered Psychotherapist with the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario and has over 10 years of experience. She was asked by her colleague if she would be interested to volunteer as well. Without a doubt, Bond thought it was her call of duty to help in any way she could and says, “I think it’s the human connection to offer another human being and it brings us all together no matter where they’re from. It’s people helping people.”
Bond submitted her application to volunteer through the Ontario COVID-19 Mental Health Network website. The Ontario COVID-19 Mental Health Network offers healthcare workers who have been impacted by the pandemic and are seeking for support.
It’s a temporary measure for mental health professionals to offer volunteer services to doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and paramedics. She said the process of applying online asked which college she belonged to, her registration number and how many hours a week she was willing to work. They’re offering mental health workers one to two hours or three to five hours a week to volunteer.
Bond says she selected three to five hours and already has doxy.me set up at home to virtually communicate with clients. Bond hopes once her application is approved, she can help alleviate the anxiety, depression, and stress that healthcare professions are dealing with.
She says it’s a scary feeling knowing they’re lacking protective work equipment and they must be scarred, not only for themselves but for their family. Bond supports this initiative and says, “It’s great knowing that they have an outlet.” Bond is hoping her application gets approved quickly so she can begin helping frontline workers immediately.
Written by: Hope Dos Santos
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