Return To Work State Employees
The Health Care Provider Stabilization Grant Program is now open! You can now access the Health Care Provider Stabilization Grant Program Online Application. For more information, including a program overview and FAQs, visit the Department of Vermont Health Access' website. Providers will have until August 15, 2020 to submit the application for funding at which time all applicants will be evaluated together; this is not a first-come-first serve award process. Funding will be allocated based on need, to the extent that funds are available.
A broad array of healthcare providers are eligible to receive Health Care Providers Stabilization Grant funding. Provider types include but are not limited to: medical practices, dentists, health centers, laboratory and imaging centers, mental health providers, substance abuse disorder treatment providers, emergency medical service and ambulance providers, physical therapists, podiatrist, optometrists, chiropractors, and other health care providers licensed by the Board of Medical Practice or the Office of Professional Regulation. This also includes home health and hospice agencies, pharmacy services, and long-term care providers.
Health Care Provider Stabilization Grant Program: Webinar Series
The Agency of Human Services and the Department of Health Access hosted a web series the week of July 20 on the Health Care Provider Stabilization Grant Program. The slides and recording are available by visiting the DVHA COVID-19 Resources Page.
The Front-Line Employees Hazard Pay Grant Program will launch on Tuesday, August 4 at 9:00 a.m. Employer applicants may apply for the Program using the Hazard Pay Grant Program online portal.. Grants will be awarded through an online application process and funds will be distributed on a first-come, first-served basis. Information about the online application process is available by visiting the DVHA COVID-19 Resources Page. Those interested in learning more and being notified when the program launches can sign up via this Front-Line Employees Hazard Pay Grant Program online form - Sign Up to receive communications.
Resources and Tools for Managing Stress and Building Resilience
News of the COVD-19 is unsettling for many, and may cause increased stress and anxiety. Below are some reminders, resources, and tools to help you at this difficult time.
Although no one knows the duration of this crisis, caring for clients during COVID 19 will be a marathon, not a sprint. Rigorous self care is essential to the work. We must take the time to recharge for ourselves and come together as teams to take care of our colleagues. Guide to Preventing and Addressing Burnout during COVID-19.
REMINDER:
Pay Attention to Your Body and Your Emotions (from "Preparing for the Coronavirus by Taking Care of Your Whole Self" by the Department of Mental Health)
It’s natural to experience stress and anxiety in the face of uncertainty. Everyone reacts differently, so it is important to determine what your needs are.
- Listen to your emotions, noticing any anxiety, sadness, anger, or detachment.
- Listen to your body, noticing any change in appetite, new aches and pains, or feeling particularly hot or cool.
- When you notice troubling symptoms, pause to care for your body and mind (see the suggestions on how to do this below).
- If you become unable to manage or function well, seek the assistance of a professional
- For immediate assistance, text VT to 741741
- For local crisis assistance numbers, see the listing on the Department of Mental Health’s: How to Get Help Locally- Mental Health Site Link
- You can also call 2-1-1 for assistance locating someone near you
Resources
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For State of Vermont Employees:
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Talk to a Counselor with InvestEAP. Call 1-888-834-2830 and talk immediately to a counselor at any time of day, and then set up a time for later sessions with a local counselor. Right now, counselors are primarily seeing clients via teleconference, and our counselors will help State Employees set up that process when they call to make an appointment.
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InvestEAP has created a site dedicated to resource development and assistance with the COVID-19 pandemic and that contains more information on InvestEAP's secure, HIPAA compliant telecounseling options. Click here to visit the InvesteEAP COVID-19 site accessible to all state employees.
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For Everyone:
- Managing COVID-19 Stress from the Anxiety and Depression Association of America (ADAA)
- How to Talk to Your Teens and Children about COVID-19 from the Anxiety and Depression Association of America (ADAA)
- Parent/Caregiver Guide to Helping Families Cope With the Coronavirus Disease 2019 - from the National Child Traumatic Stress Network
Tools
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Practicing Mindfulness:
- Brief Guided Meditations for Mindfulness Video Playlist
- Mindful Movement for Stressful Times - A sampler for all levels and abilities
- Mindfulness Sessions for Managing Stress - Join live on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays
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Trainings and Webinars:
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Sign up for an account now to access free public training resources through Cornerstone Cares:
- How to support the prevention of COVID-19 infection, published by leading global health organizations, including the World Health Organization and Johns Hopkins University
- How to manage stress and anxiety in these uncertain times
- How to stay productive and positive while working from home
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