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This has been a tough year. If you're struggling, UAMS has resources to help.
Hard Holidays
| By Natalie Cannady, Chief Wellness Officer
This year has been tough on UAMS. We’ve worked together, supported one another and held our own. Now it is time for the holidays, a season that isn’t always joyful for everyone in a good year, much less during a pandemic.
At this time of year in particular, we need to remember to be kind to one another because we don’t really always know what is going on in our co-workers’ lives. Watching for signs of depression in our friends and family is usually second nature, but when it comes to co-workers it can be harder to see behind the mask of normalcy we all tend to put up.
This year, keep in mind these resources are here for you — some are here for your family as well.
Supportive Conversations — This is a 24/7 hotline you can call and speak with a member of our pastoral care team. If you choose, this can be an anonymous call. If you need to talk to someone, call 501-686-6890. Available to ALL employees and students, regardless of where in the state you are.
Employee Assistance Program (EAP) EAP offers counseling services with a licensed social worker who can help guide you through making informed decisions on your mental health. Call them 1 (800) 542-6021 to set up sessions and find out more about their virtual visits. Available to all UAMS employees.
AR Connect — This 24/7 hotline is staffed with trained medical professionals who are there to help you. The goal of AR-Connect is to help those Arkansans needing immediate care get the assistance they need and eventually connect them with treatment options available in their local area. For more information about AR-Connect, e-mail arconnect@uams.edu. The AR-Connect call center is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, at 501-526-3563 or 800-482-9921. The virtual clinic operates Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. This service is open to all Arkansans, not just employees and students of UAMS.
Whether it’s you, or someone else, who is feeling the burden and pressure this holiday season, please let us help you lighten the load. Team UAMS is all in this together — have a safe and happy holiday season!