October 23 Update: Distress Centre’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic

Distress Centre continues to support Calgarians by providing 24/7 crisis and 211 phone support, daily chat and ConnecTeen text support. Counselling sessions are being conducted by phone and video. If you need help, please reach out.

At Distress Centre, we know how important self-care is, especially as we head into winter. See Jerilyn Dressler’s Q3 update to learn how to develop your own personalized self-care plan.

Up-to-date information is critical during rapidly changing times like these. If you are a community partner in the Calgary area and are modifying your services during the pandemic, please email communityresourcedatabase@distresscentre.com to have your information updated in the 211 database. We ask that you please encourage anyone needing information on resources to visit www.ab.211.ca or to call or text INFO to 2-1-1.

We encourage anyone who is interested in learning more about needs and unmet needs across the province to visit the 211 Alberta COVID-19 Data Dashboard.

Contact Numbers/Stats – January 26-September 30, 2020:

• We experienced a concerning 69% increase in suicide-related contacts in September 2020 compared to September 2019, and a 29% increase from January 26-September 30 compared to the same time period last year.
• In September 2020, suicide was the fourth top issue on crisis contacts.
• However, emergency interventions are holding steady compared to 2019. This trend began in June and continued through September.
• COVID-19 remains a top issue on Distress Centre’s 211 contacts.
• In September, the top needs on COVID-19 related 211 contacts were Information Sources, Canada Emergency Response Benefit, and Medical Equipment/Supplies. The top needs on all 211 contacts were Information and Referral, Information Sources, and Crisis Intervention.
• In September, 13% of 211 contacts and 9% of crisis contacts were related to COVID-19.
• Our contact volumes have increased as well. The increase is mainly being seen in 211 – we have experienced a 77% increase in 211 contacts from January 26-September 30 compared to the same time period last year and a 45% increase compared to September last year.
• In September, COVID-19 dropped off of the top 10 issues on crisis contacts. The top issues on COVID-19 related crisis contacts were Anxiety, Isolation/Loneliness and Depressed Mood.
• The top issues on all crisis contacts were Anxiety, Depressed Mood, and Family Relationships.

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