COVID-19 MANUAL and Updates
Out of an abundance of ongoing caution with concerns regarding the Coronavirus spread, MHSD continues to suspend unscheduled “Walk-In” services until further notice. We know this may be a hard time for you, and we are making every effort to put your safety first. Please be advised of the following updates:
Five Reasons for walking into an MHSD Clinic during CoVid-19:
1.Emergent/Urgent visit (Clinician Screened)
- Medication Injection
- Prescriber / Physician Request
- Urine Testing
- Aftercare Appointments
All other services will be handled via telephone or virtually via tele-health capability.
If you have any questions about your appointment or making an appointment, please call (504) 568-3130. Please review our current COVID manual at COVID Manual -Rev 7.2021 and continue to visit our website for ongoing updates at www.mhsdla.org. If you would like more information on CoVID-19 please call the Orleans Parish Help line at 311 or text COVIDNOLA to 888777
The Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) Collective for New Orleans
The challenge
COVID-19 is having an unprecedented impact on Louisiana communities. As individuals face the challenges of adapting to life during this unpredictable pandemic, many are suffering great loss due to unemployment, social isolation and contraction of the social networks, lifestyle changes, and added stresses of family life. Experts are signaling an anticipated increase in behavioral health issues as the pandemic’s effects ripple through our communities, including increases in substance use, suicide, and a growing number of individuals in behavioral health crises. According to County Health Rankings, Louisiana ranks last in overall health outcomes compared to other states. New Orleans ranks 40th out of 64 parishes on health outcomes compared to the rest of the state.
Prior to COVID-19, Louisiana already faced shortages in the mental health workforce. Though not a replacement for a robust, highly skilled behavioral health workforce, Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) is a nationally recognized best practice program that trains medical and non-medical individuals in how to identify, understand and respond to signs of mental illnesses and substance abuse disorders. This program guided by the National Council for Mental Wellbeing has been adopted in states and communities across the US and focuses often on skills building for local community groups or sectors, including, coalition members, school personnel, workforce programs, church members, and others.
Our solution
Mental Health First Aid is an evidence-based course sponsored by the National Council for Mental Wellbeing that teaches you how to identify, understand and respond to signs of mental illnesses and substance use disorders. The training gives you the skills you need to reach out and provide initial help and support to someone who may be developing a mental health or substance use problem or experiencing a crisis. Programs specialize in adults, youth, teens, higher education, rural communities, older adults, veterans, workplace, fire and EMS, public safety, schools, and faith/spiritual communities.
The Louisiana Public Health Institute (LPHI), the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) New Orleans, and Metropolitan Human Services District are recognized training partners of MHFA Training and offer this training to partners, communities, and individuals to advance behavioral health, community resilience, and disaster preparedness. The organizations’ instructors are certified to offer this MHFA skills-based training to help identify and refer someone who is developing a mental health problem or experiencing a mental health crisis, with a culturally responsive lens. In this way, the collective aims to do mental health differently by coordinating equitable community outreach, collaborating across sectors, and improving general knowledge regarding mental health risk factors and resources in Louisiana.
