Healthy Acadia’s Maine RecoveryCorps and MDI Hospital are partnering to offer a new Social Call service to respond to the isolation many community members are facing during this COVID-19 pandemic.
Social calls can be a welcome break from the isolation of the physical distancing restrictions in place as part of efforts to slow the spread of the novel coronavirus which causes COVID-19. Through a newly launched pilot program, Social Calls are being made upon request by Healthy Acadia’s trained Recovery Coaches, who connect community members to needed resources and support services or simply provide a kind ear for those wanting to talk.
Social calls offer an opportunity for connection and can serve to buffer the negative effects of physical distancing and are not intended to replace an individual's need to connect with their mental health professional. And the calls are proving beneficial to all involved. "Our Social Callers are finding that the peers they are reaching out to are not the only ones benefiting from this service. They are also developing social relationships that are helping them to stay better connected to the communities they live in. They are excited to connect with more people in our area," said Beth Alteri, Recovery Volunteer and Office Coordinator.
Fourteen community members have utilized the Social Call service since the pilot program was launched two weeks ago on MDI. The feedback has been overwhelmingly positive. “It feels rewarding to know that they appreciate the calls. I really hope that it is helping them during this difficult time. I look forward to calling them back to hear about their week,” said BillieJo Warren, a volunteer Recovery Coach and Social Caller.
“We are grateful for the opportunity to partner with Healthy Acadia to help provide the Social Call service to our community at this critical time,” added Arthur Blank, President/CEO, MDI Hospital. “As we all work together to slow the spread of this global pandemic, maintaining our connection to one another in a safe, accessible way is so important.”
Healthy Acadia’s Maine RecoveryCorps are also exploring ways to expand the Social Call service beyond the Island to reach more residents in Hancock County.
If you would like to receive a social call from a trained volunteer from Healthy Acadia, click here to submit your request online, or visit www.HealthyAcadia.org
If you need help filling out this form, or would like to provide the information over the phone, please call Beth Alteri at (207) 460-2312 or email SocialCalls@
Healthy Acadia is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that engages in a broad range of initiatives to build healthier communities and make it easier for people to lead healthy lives across Washington and Hancock counties, Maine. Learn more at www.HealthyAcadia.org.
Established in 1897, Mount Desert Island Hospital provides comprehensive healthcare for residents and visitors through a 25-bed critical access facility in Bar Harbor and a network of eight regional health centers, including a full-service behavioral health center and dental clinic. Learn more at www.mdihospital.org.
