The COVID-19 pandemic and subsequent economic challenges are negatively affecting our community’s mental health. In March, the number of Tennesseans reaching out to the Crisis Text Line jumped 63 percent over the same time last year. Feelings of stress and anxiety are becoming more prevalent and, as the pandemic wears on, are likely to increase. And, measures taken to slow the spread of the virus can lead to greater isolation and potential financial distress.

Nashvillians may already be particularly vulnerable as recent Nashville Community Health + Well-being Survey results indicate they suffer more than 5 days per month of poor mental health, a full day more than peer cities.

If you or someone you know is feeling overwhelmed, there are resources to help.

NashvilleHealth is proud to recognize health professionals who are going above and beyond to care for and lead our community during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Misty Leitsch, interim executive director of the Tennessee Suicide Prevention Network (TSPN), is on the front lines of the Coronavirus crisis response in our state overseeing a team of counselors, mental health professionals, physicians, clergy, journalists, and social workers who are helping Tennesseans through this difficult time. She has been instrumental in marketing and overseeing the Crisis Text Line, Suicide Prevention LifeLine, and other mental health crisis numbers and has mobilized TSPN to provide more education and training across the state during this health crisis. For her leadership and commitment to saving and improving lives in our community, Ms. Leitsch is a NashvilleHealth Hero. Thank you.

Nashville Response Fund Update

The COVID-19 Response Fund has allocated $2 million to 73 local nonprofit organizations helping individuals and families impacted by the coronavirus outbreak. More is still necessary to meet the growing needs our community and to help those who are struggling.

Please give at the link below or text NashvilleUnited to 41444.

Tracking COVID in Tennessee
Each day, the Tennessee Department of Health (TDH) releases figures tracking the number of confirmed COVID-19 cases in each county and statewide. In an effort to raise awareness about these figures and understand how infection rates are changing, NashvilleHealth shares tracking updates and insights based on TDH data.

Data acquired from theTDH Website, as of April 23 analyzed by Sajid Khan, Change Healthcare and NashvilleHealth Board.

*Total TN & Other County Cases Include Out Of State Cases Diagnosed in TN

Partner Updates

American Heart Association’s New COVID-19 patient data registry will provide insights to care and adverse cardiovascular outcomes

Pfizer’s Science Will Win emphasizes collaboration with scientists all over the globe to find treatments and vaccines

Nashville General Hospital’s Food Pharmacy has supported nearly 700 Davidson County households with nutritious foods.

If you would like to submit Partner News, click here.

Senator Frist, M.D., Addresses COVID-19 Crisis

Forbes: What The 1918 Pandemic And The Great Recession Can Teach Us In Responding To COVID-19 Today

Forbes: What We Have Lost In Social Connections, We Can Gain In Nature

TIME: 3 Ways Policymakers Could Help Our Nation’s Doctors And Nurses

The Hill: Coronavirus Report: The Hill’s Steve Clemons interviews Sen. Bill Frist

NashvilleHealth E-briefs

• A Healthy Nashville IV: COVID-19 Community Response – Mental Health
• A Healthy Nashville V: COVID-19 Community Response – Partnerships
• A Healthy Nashville VI: COVID-19 Community Response – Public Health