This Thursday, January 27, from 6 - 7:15 p.m., join Maine Public Health Association and its partners for a virtual conversation about COVID-19 in Maine, and education about – and strategies for improving – emotional wellness during the pandemic.

What: As we continue to experience the many changing faces of the COVID-19 pandemic, we understand that folks are frustrated by conflicting information and what sometimes feels like constantly changing guidance, according to MPHA, in a news release. These frustrations can be overwhelming and stressful for people of all ages, in all corners of Maine. The forum will start with an overview of updated COVID-19 guidance and delve into aspects of emotional wellness, including effective coping strategies.
 
Who should attend?: Anyone experiencing pandemic-related stress or caring for others who are, and that may benefit from connecting with other Mainers and exploring coping strategies from experts.

When: Thursday, January 27, 2022, from 6 - 7:15 p.m.

Where: Zoom (Register here: https://mecap.org/events)

Cost: Free

Speakers: Dr. Nirav Shah, Erik Eisele, Arabella Perez and Abigail Young
 
Dr. Nirav Shah is director of the Maine Center for Disease Control and Prevention. Dr. Shah will open the forum with a synopsis of updated guidance and a snapshot of how Maine is faring through this most recent surge in the pandemic. There will be time for Q&A directly after he speaks.
 
Erik Eisele works at the Maine Office of Behavioral Health, where he manages programs to support individuals experiencing pandemic-related stress. His presentation will discuss the pandemic, pandemic-related stress, free resources that are available to individuals and organizations to help navigate the current moment, and other aspects of stress management and resiliency. Reactions to stress can vary depending on personal traits, experiences, roles, and resources. Cultivating resiliency during a pandemic can be tricky for some. Even the ways we used to cope may have changed because of the pandemic. Cultivating resiliency requires some reflection while tapping into skills that may help to regulate your nervous system and weather the waves of uncertainty. A focus on emotions can help as we gain clarity on what we are feeling, name it, and find ways to manage it.

Arabella Perez is a licensed clinical social worker and therapist of 30 years. Arabella will discuss and model a few of the concepts discussed during this brief presentation.

Abigail Young is a Junior from Ellsworth High School. Abigail will wrap up the forum speaking about some of the struggles that she and other Maine students are dealing with, some strategies that have helped, and where some challenges still need attention.

Sponsors: This forum is brought to you by Maine Community Action Partnership, The Opportunity Alliance, Maine Public Health Association, Center for Excellence in Public Health at UNE, and the Maine Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics

Questions? Please contact either Dee Kerry, Executive Director of the American Academy of Pediatrics, Maine Chapter at dee.kerry@maineaap.org; or Maureen Leary, COVID-19 Program Manager, Maine Community Action Partnership at mleary@mecap.org.