WilCo Sees Spike In Distress Calls Amid Coronavirus

WILLIAMSON COUNTY, TX — Amid growing anxiety over spread of the coronavirus, Williamson County health care workers have experienced a spike in distress calls, officials said Monday.

The Williamson County Mobile Outreach Team, which focuses on responding to emergency behavioral healthcare service calls, reported a significant increase in calls during the month of June, according to an emailed advisory. The call volume from June 2020 doubled from June 2019, officials said.

"The COVID-19 pandemic has forced businesses to shut down, left people without jobs, forced families to balance work and family life within the same four-walls, and caused uncertainty among many," officials wrote in explaining the reason behind the surge in service calls.

Officials said that in order to provide assistance and some level of relief to behavioral health facilities and Texans alike, Texas Health and Human Services continues to run a COVID-19 Mental Health Support Line. The 24/7 free-line is a resource for residents to speak with mental health professionals who can help them deal with anxiety, depression, stress, grief, and worry.

"Mental Health professionals urge people undergoing any level of distress to seek support sooner rather than later," officials wrote. Residents can call call the Statewide COVID-19 Mental Health Support Line seven days a week at 833-986-1919. To contact the Williamson County MOT call (512) 864-8277.

The County also has a list of resources residents can get assistance from during these trying times. Having access to the help is an effort to reduce the stress the pandemic may have caused, officials explained. To verify available resources per ZIP code, click here.