Mental Health Among Frontline Workers During the COVID-19 Pandemic

Abstract

Leadership from a local nonprofit organization serving families in Marion County, all of whom face numerous disparities, identified a need for mental health services for their frontline workers during the COVID-19 pandemic. Surveys were distributed to employees were used to investigate the impact this pandemic has had on their occupation, their confidence in managing mental health concerns, and areas of interest based on current in-place structures. Weekly in-services were conducted based on these results. Improvements were observed in exit surveys and feedback; participants reported positive attitudes towards the in-services they attended, desires for future in-services, and that the in-services addressed their desired focus areas. These findings suggest that programs and protocols that prioritize mental health in the workplace have a positive effect on perceived mental and physical health as well as confidence levels in addressing mental health at this site.