Recognizing Mental Health Awareness Month During a Global Pandemic

May 2020

President & CEO, Clara Reynolds

May is usually one of those transformative months of the year that I eagerly anticipate. As a country, we celebrate Cinco de Mayo, Mother’s Day, Teacher, Nurse and EMS Appreciation Weeks. May is a time for graduations, dance recitals, school plays, athletic tournaments, and numerous celebrations. While some of these events will occur, we can all agree that this May will look and feel very different due to the impact of COVID-19.

Read more from Clara by clicking below.

The Crisis Center's Response to COVID-19

The Crisis Center of Tampa Bay understands this is a very stressful time full of uncertainty and anxiety. Our staff are available 24/7 to provide emotional support when you dial 2-1-1.

We have taken precautions to ensure the safety of our staff. We continue to operate the Gateway Contact Center, Sexual Assault Services, Corbett Trauma Center counseling, and TransCare Medical Transportation Services without interruption. To access any of these services, you can dial 2-1-1; or for general questions, call the Crisis Center at (813) 964-1964.

Finding Healing Through Teletherapy

When Nina first started attending counseling six months ago, it was in an office at Mary Lee’s House. Now, as she’s ready to graduate from her therapy, she’ll say “goodbye” to her counselor over teletherapy.

Read more of Nina's story by clicking below.

Providing COVID-19 Testing to

Remote Individuals

At the end of April, TransCare staff began assisting the county with providing mobile COVID-19 testing to those living in remote areas or without adequate transportation. When an individual calls the testing hotline and discloses they have no transportation or rely on public transportation, they are scheduled for testing.

If you are experiencing symptoms of COVID-19, please call (813) 272-5900 to register for a test.

Partnering with the City for One Tampa

On April 17th, the City of Tampa launched its initiative to provide financial support to residents within the City of Tampa. Approved applicants will receive rent and/or utility assistance, with payment made directly to the vendor.

Crisis Center employees are assisting the city by reviewing applications, connecting with applicants, and cutting checks for rent and utilities. A group of staff have been reassigned from their normal tasks to tackle the thousands of applications that were submitted. Our team is working as quickly as possible to process the applications so payments can be rendered.

Thank you Corporate Partners!

Thank you Crisis Center of Tampa Bay Funders!