How to Help Georgia Employees with Mental Health and Substance Abuse Crises

The healthcare community is calling attention to the severe mental health side effects caused by the isolation, grief, income loss, and fear caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. Americans of all ages and races, and from all walks of life, are experiencing unprecedented challenges at home, school, and work while we wait for vaccine distribution and hope our lives can return to something that feels like normal.

Even the most mentally tough among us are experiencing emotional challenges that no one could have been prepared to face. If you are a business owner or manager with employees who you know are struggling, you may feel responsible for offering help but also unprepared to provide it.

Ultimately, expressions of care and kindness go a long way toward helping your team get through this uniquely trying experience. But when you need something more specific, there are resources available to assist you and your team with any health struggles that may have been brought about by or magnified by the COVID-19 pandemic. If you’re looking for guidance on stress management, grief counseling, substance abuse, or essential care, there are websites and hotlines available to help 24/7.

• NAMI, the National Alliance on Mental Illness, provides 24/7 free crisis counseling via text. To reach a counselor, simply text “NAMI” to 741741.

• The United Way can provide assistance locating food, essential services, and financial assistance (in some areas). Contact them from anywhere in the U.S. by dialing 211.

• The State of Georgia provides a brief online listing of COVID-19 Hotlines and Helplines through the state’s website. Each listing explains what kinds of support the hotline can provide and hours of availability where appropriate.

Resources Specifically for Georgia Residents

In some cases, someone on your team may need very specific care for a mental health crisis or substance abuse. A national organization called Help.com offers an exhaustive database of national, state, and local resources for mental health and addiction services including links for Georgia-based drug and alcohol rehabilitation service centers. There are also numerous telephone and text hotlines for anyone experiencing a crisis as well as for loved ones, friends, or coworkers looking for guidance to assist someone who’s suffering. A visit to the Help.org guide to Drug Abuse Hotlines will tell you what to expect when you call and what kinds of help they may be able to provide. 

At ClearStar, we are committed to your success. An important part of your employment screening program involves compliance with various laws and regulations, which is why we are providing information regarding screening requirements in certain countries, region, etc. While we are happy to provide you with this information, it is your responsibility to comply with applicable laws and to understand how such information pertains to your employment screening program. The foregoing information is not offered as legal advice but is instead offered for informational purposes. ClearStar is not a law firm and does not offer legal advice and this communication does not form an attorney client relationship. The foregoing information is therefore not intended as a substitute for the legal advice of a lawyer knowledgeable of the user’s individual circumstances or to provide legal advice. ClearStar makes no assurances regarding the accuracy, completeness, or utility of the information contained in this publication. Legislative, regulatory and case law developments regularly impact on general research and this area is evolving rapidly. ClearStar expressly disclaim any warranties or responsibility or damages associated with or arising out of the information provided herein.