MINEOLA, N.Y. (WCBS 880) — Nassau County is launching a mental health program to help those who are feeling alone during the coronavirus pandemic.
WCBS 880’s Sophia Hall says the program is encouraging people to reach other and continue to show neighbors some companionship during this time.
It can range from a text message or phone call to dropping off a piece of art made by a child on somebody’s doorstep.
The goal of the program, Hall reports, it to let someone know they are not alone during this difficult time.
“The interest for the campaign is really to take five minutes to check on that person who lives next door, of course do it virtually,” says CEO of Family and Children's Association Jeff Reynolds. “You make the call to that friend, send a text, jump on FaceTime to connect with them and somehow, in some way, simply ask ‘how are you doing?’”
They want the community to stay connected during this difficult time and try to keep everyone’s morale up.
County Legislator Rose Walker is a big proponent of the program.
“There’s something called Marco Polo that you can put on your phone,” she said. “Encourage your friends, your neighbors, your family to download it. When they download it and you have it on your phone, just click on that Marco Polo and it’s your face.”
The app works similar to FaceTime, but is not strictly for iPhone users. Anyone with a smartphone can download it and have a video conversation with their friends.
Lawmakers say tools such as that are important to maintain a healthy mental state during this time.