Available mental health resources

Mental health professionals also cannot guarantee a confidential environment over a virtual platform. “There’s no way to be sure that their parent isn’t sitting off camera,” Porto said.

Porto also said that because some families do not believe in mental health treatment, their children lose all of their mental health resources when schools close. Other students who don’t typically seek resources may find themselves in need during social distancing and continued isolation. School psychologists and social workers are left to focus on providing online resources and communicating with parents, who frequently must initiate contact. To cope with concerns over treatment gaps, administrators are also referring students to providers outside of the school system. Saimre said some Virginia localities are using an out-of-office voicemail system to refer students to community resources.

“The double-edged sword is that there are actually a lot of places for mental health, but very few of them actually take insurance, and even then it can still be expensive,” Porto said.

Even if students want to have online therapy sessions, many cannot. In 17 Virginia counties, less than half of the population has access to broadband internet, according to Broadband Now, an advocacy group.

“The well-off kids have access to that, but many, many kids don’t have access to it, so they are caught in a situation where they are deprived,” said Bob Trestman, chair of psychiatry and behavioral health at the Carilion Clinic in Roanoke. “I have no doubt that there are many children who previously were receiving care who now, either no longer have access or, because of the nature of their problems, no longer have the support to continue their care.”

Some districts throughout the state have tried to combat digital inequity by providing computers, tablets or internet hotspots. However, some districts can’t afford it.

“It could have an outsized impact on kids who are not able to connect in person or to connect electronically,” said Lloyd English, a school psychologist for Norfolk Public Schools where hotspots have been distributed to those in need. He expected the extended period of isolation to be difficult for everyone.

The economic collapse caused by the pandemic has left many families in financial distress. Over 410,000 Virginians applied for unemployment benefits in the last four weeks. A parent’s stress is often felt by their children.

“As parents, we transmit all of those anxieties to our kids, no matter how hard we try not to,” English said. “Our students definitely feel that pressure, even for the younger ones.”

With mounting financial concerns, children might find it harder to ask for help. “We’re already starting to see some of our families that may not ordinarily need to access the meal services, coming to the meal service line to get food,” Porto said. “If your basic needs aren’t even met, you can’t begin to think about your health or your mental health. They’re not going to be in an environment that they can do self care because they’re just trying to survive.” Most school-provided mental health Most school-provided mental health resources will likely remain limited until students are back in classrooms and able to return to inperson counseling. Porto said he believes there will be an uptick in students needing mental health services in the fall due to COVID-19, whether the student was personally affected by the disease or other stresses related to the pandemic. Porto has turned to providing online resources for students and families. He created the Mental Health, Wellness and Community Resources for Families, which lists places students and families can turn to in order to cope with COVID-19.

“When we come back, it’s going to hit me like a freight train, how little I was able to do,” Porto said. “I [will] have to put on my work hat and deal with that in the moment because that’s what these kids need from us.”

Mental Health Resources:

National Suicide Prevention Hotline: 1-800-273-TALK (8255) Text “NAMI” to 741741 if you are having suicidal thoughts or urges.

NOTICE TO

CITY OF RICHMOND RESIDENTS A Democratic Party primary and a Republican party primary election will be held in the City of Richmond. The original election date was June 9, 2020, but the Governor postponed these elections to:

TUESDAY, June 23, 2020

The purpose of these elections is to nominate party candidates that will appear on the ballot in November for the following offices:

U.S. House of Representatives, 4 th District (Democratic), and U.S. Senate (Republican).

Voters will have to choose in which primary that they wish to participate. State law does not allow voters to participate in both.

Any qualified resident of the Commonwealth of Virginia who will be 18 by November 3, 2020 may register and vote in this election.

Polling places will be open for voting from 6:00 AM to 7:00 PM PHOTO ID IS NOW REQUIRED AT THE POLLS

Visit www.elections.virginia.gov for details on photo ID There is a polling place change for this election. Residents of precinct 206 will vote at the VCU 500 Academic Center, 1020 West Grace Street FOR THIS ELECTION ONLY. The polling place will revert to Dominion Place, 1025 West Grace Street, for the November 2020 General Election.

THE DEADLINE TO REGISTER TO VOTE IN THIS ELECTION IS: Tuesday, May 26, 2020 Persons with Virginia DMV issued ID CAN REGISTER TO VOTE, UPDATE their voter registration, or apply for an absentee ballot ONLINE and paperlessly at www.elections.virginia.gov.

City Hall is currently closed to the public. When it reopens, citizens may register in person in room 105, City Hall, 900 East Broad Street between 8:00 AM and 5:00 PM, Monday through Friday, except holidays. Applications are also in all city post offices, libraries, and DMV. The Office of the General Registrar will mail applications upon request. While City Hall is closed, voters may email VoterRegistration@richmondgov.com to request an application, or may call Richmond 311 at (804) 646-7000. Voter registration applications must either be postmarked or in the Office of the General Registrar by 5 PM on the deadline date. Applications submitted online through www.elections.virginia.gov will be accepted if submitted by 11:59 PM on May 26, 2020.

THE DEADLINE TO APPLY FOR AN ABSENTEE BALLOT THROUGH THE MAIL IS Tuesday, June 16, 2020

Until City Hall reopens to the public, in person voting is available from the Broad Street entrance of City Hall, 900 East Broad Street, Richmond, Virginia 23219 between 9 AM and 5 PM, Monday through Friday, except holidays. When City Hall reopens to the public, it will be available in room 105 from 8 AM to 5 PM, Monday through Friday, except holidays. The deadline to apply and vote an absentee ballot in person is 5:00 PM, Saturday, June 20, 2020, except in the case of certain emergencies or military personnel. In addition to its normal business hours, the Office of the General Registrar will also be open from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM on Saturday, June 20, 2020 for absentee voting. Liberal use of reason 2A will be accepted for absentee voting due to COVID-19.