Flattening the second curve

As we combat the physical effects of COVID-19 pandemic, many of us are simultaneously confronted with deep feelings of stress, fear and anxiety. We are facing profound loss, economic uncertainty, social isolation, and worry for the health of those we love. This time of mental and emotional crisis is the ‘second curve’ of the pandemic, and we must work together to flatten this curve, too.

If you are struggling, please know — you’re not alone.

In times of great need, there will always be great helpers and heroes — those who go above and beyond to keep others safe and comfortable, heal sickness, and provide access to essential services and resources. In the wake of this pandemic, these helpers and heroes have missed sleep, lost jobs, mourned loved ones and become infected themselves — all while staying committed to helping and serving others. These helpers need help, too.

To answer that call, CVS Health is stepping up our commitment to supporting those who care for us by connecting them with mental wellbeing resources and counseling services designed to address their needs during this unprecedented and difficult time.

We’re proud to now offer expanded services and resources to support our most significantly impacted groups — our frontline health care workers, our essential workers, our seniors, and our furloughed and laid-off workers. Read on to learn more.

Impacted? We’re here to help.

Frontline health care workers

Through support from CVS Health and the Aetna Foundation, we are working to address the needs of the health care workforce by offering access to no-cost mental health counseling via Give An Hour.

• Give An Hour offers personalized counseling to hospital-based clinical and non-clinical employees, and loved ones of essential hospital workers in New York, New Jersey and Connecticut to help manage trauma responses including, depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress.

Aetna’s signature Resources For Living (RFL) program is also offering a variety of wellbeing resources and support options to those in need, whether or not they’re covered in Aetna insurance plans. Individuals who do not have RFL as an insurance plan benefit should call 1-833-327-AETNA (1-833-327-2386) for assistance. RFL resources include:

• In-the-moment phone support to help cope with the emotional impact of the event

• Guidance for frontline workers on how to cope with the traumatic stress effects of COVID-19

Essential workers

CVS Health is committed to helping essential workers, including grocery, pharmacy and service employees, who are also on the frontlines of the pandemic.

Aetna Resources For Living (RFL) is providing mental wellbeing services, in addition to identifying resources to support basic needs such as meals, childcare, eldercare, and financial guidance. Services are available to all even if your insurance plan benefits do not include RFL.

• Get real-time phone support to help cope with the emotional impact of the pandemic. Call 1-833-327-AETNA (1-833-327-2386)

• Listen to podcasts about relevant topics such as grief, loss, resiliency, self-care, and empathy

• Discover ideas for things to do with your kids while you’re together at home

Seniors

Staying connected during social distancing can be challenging, especially for seniors who are most at risk for social isolation. We’re here to help.

Aetna Resources For Living (RFL) is providing wellbeing and emotional support for seniors, expanding social connectedness outreach. Additionally, through RFL, seniors can access support for basic needs including food, prescription, and meal delivery services. If you need assistance, call RFL at 1-833-327-AETNA (1-833-327-2386).

Furloughed or unemployed

A job loss can take a toll on your mental wellbeing. Resources are available to help you address fears and anxiety.

Aetna Resources For Living (RFL) is providing support for basic needs. Resources include emotional support for coping with job loss, family meals, and financial guidance. To speak to someone, call 1-833-327-AETNA (1-833-327-2386).

CVS Health colleagues

Resources are also available to help CVS Health colleagues build mental health resilience, cope with uncertainty, reduce stress and stay connected.

• 7 Cups provides free, on-demand emotional health support services that make behavioral health care accessible through community, trained volunteer listeners.