Friends,
Pandemic fatigue is upon us. Winter is coming and COVID-19 levels are rising in many areas. Many of us are hurting financially and emotionally. We are weary.
But we can take care of one another, pull together, and stay the course. We can do the simple work of keeping Berkshire COVID numbers low for ourselves, our families, our communities. We can do this.
But how do we tend to our social and mental health, our community health, our overdue health care needs?
Keep socially connected in ways comfortable for you. Bundle up warm and keep going outdoors, with low-risk walks, hikes, and park visits. Create (and protect) your small pod of COVID-safe friends with whom you can share a meal or book group; you can even do this online. Tend to your overdue health care: annual physical, cholesterol checks, cancer screenings, and any worrisome symptoms. Help keep our local businesses afloat. If time allows, find a volunteer opportunity that helps others and brings meaning to your life.
And make sure to say no. Say no to too many video social calls after long days of work and caring for kids. Say no to too much news and social media. Saying no helps you keep proper boundaries, so you can best care for yourself and those who need you most. And absolutely ask for help if you need it.
At CHP, we are trying to walk the talk. We continue to review our safe workspace protocols and procedures for patients and staff. We want patients to come back for care and to call when they feel sick. Our Family Services team is creating in-person and online connection opportunities for families and children and doing amazing work to fight food insecurity around the county.
To do our best work at CHP, we too need help. Our Annual Fall Appeal is coming, and we urge our friends to reach deep during this unusual year, to help us to help our neighbors take care of themselves. We know we can count on you, and we thank you.
Please, take care of yourself.
Lia Spiliotes
Community Health Programs, CEO