PRS Adapts and Expands to Meet Community’s Mental Health Needs during Pandemic
OAKTON, Va. (September 8, 2020) – PRS, a behavioral health nonprofit serving Northern Virginia, has expanded and adapted to meet the region’s growing health needs during COVID-19, including a deeper partnership with Arlington County’s Behavioral Healthcare Division and its Job Avenue Program. The program helps people with mental health challenges find and maintain employment of their choice. Additionally, through a partnership with the Fairfax-Falls Church Community Services Board, PRS is now offering the Community Readiness and Support Program (CRSP), an intensive psychosocial day program.
“COVID-19 has made life more challenging for all but stress and isolation are exceptionally hard for those who already live with mental health issues. Our local governments are working hard to respond to our community’s mounting mental health needs, and we are proud to support their efforts,” explained PRS CEO Joseph Getch. “During these trying times, we are hyper-focused on providing connection, guidance and stability to those we serve.”
PRS has enjoyed a long partnership with Arlington County and is proud to expand its work with the County’s Job Avenue Program to help people with mental health challenges find and maintain employment of their choice. COVID-related unemployment has disproportionately affected this vulnerable population. PRS staff provides job development, job placement, training and ongoing support to help individuals served gain and maintain employment opportunities. In addition, PRS also expanded its deep partnership with Fairfax County and now operates Fairfax County’s Community Readiness and Support Program. CRSP will continue to operate out of its current CSB Merrifield Center location where individuals with serious mental illness or co-occurring disorders receive psycho-educational, pre-vocational and other skills training and supports up to five days a week. The program serves an average of 20 people per day.
Here’s a snapshot of how PRS has been continuing to adapt and serve individuals during the pandemic:
· Use of telehealth (video and/or audio) has replaced face-to-face contact for most individuals participating in PRS programs, although limited in-person services continue for some of the most vulnerable individuals receiving services.
· With support from generous donors, PRS has been providing iPads and cell phones with data plans to facilitate and support the ability of individuals to receive PRS services via telehealth platforms. PRS has also been supporting the basic needs of individuals receiving services who may have lost their jobs or are isolated during the pandemic in order to support their ability to remain independent in the community. · PRS CrisisLink, Northern Virginia’s suicide prevention and crisis intervention services, has experienced an increase in the number of calls, chats and texts from people actively contemplating suicide. The Crisis Center is operating virtually with staff and volunteers working remotely. Older adults are being supported through the CareRing service where advocacy and information sharing continues to ensure the most vulnerable can remain independent in the community.
Contact: Shawn Flaherty, 703-554-3609
About PRS, Inc.
PRS is a leading local nonprofit helping those living with serious mental health issues and anyone who faces life crises achieve independence and self-sufficiency. PRS provides people they serve with skill training and support to help them recover and rebuild their lives through programs such as: Recovery Academy Day Programs and Community Readiness Support Program, Community Support Services, Employment Services, Peer Support Services, Community Housing, Coordinated Specialty Care and CrisisLink—a 24/7 phone, text and chat hotline. www.prsinc.org. For 24/7 support from CrisisLink, call 1-800-273-TALK. For 24/7 chat support, visit https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org/chat/.
Established in 1963, PRS is a community-based nonprofit that provides skills training and supports to adults living with serious mental illness in Northern Virginia. PRS has grown to be a leader and innovator in the “recovery” model of rehabilitation, which tailors services to each individual’s needs and goals. Today, PRS serves over 800 persons yearly with a variety of rehabilitation services designed to facilitate clients’ recovery from mental illness and assist them in achieving satisfying and productive community lives. With Centers in McLean and Mt. Vernon, and residential sites throughout Northern Virginia, PRS offers day programs, employment services, residential services and home-based support services. For more information about PRS, please visit their website at www.prsinc.org.
