Peachtree – Erlanger Western Carolina Hospital is taking part in an ongoing study of how the COVID-19 pandemic had an effect on mental health.
Throughout the process of this study, Erlanger has implemented many resources in Cherokee and Clay counties to help those struggling with mental health issues. Some of those resources include having mental health professionals at Erlanger Primary Care in Andrews, plus offering telehealth and telepsychiatry through its Hayesville location.
Ana Bowleg-Swan, Erlanger behavioral health manager, said it is an ongoing study with the Office of Rural Health. They are looking at the effect of the pandemic as well as the stigmas surrounding mental health.
They received a grant to take part in the study along with other organizations across the state. They are sending monthly reports to the N.C. Department of Health & Human Services.
Bowleg-Swan said in the beginning it was a slow start, but they have noticed there is a huge need for mental health services in the area. One of the things that stood out to her is there have been things holding people back from getting the help they need, like getting a baby-sitter in order to make appointments and transportation issues.
One of the things that has surprised her so far about the study is that they are coming together to advocate for the patients and the outcomes they have had so far.
They are also working to help patients with Medicaid so everyone can get the help they need.
“Just yesterday I got a call from one of our patients, she was able to get tires for free so she can make it to her appointment. We’ve done Medicaid applications and social services has been great to work with us to get those Medicaid applications completed within a timely manner. Then we can connect theses people to primary care,” Bowleg-Swan said.
“We’ve worked with St. Vincent de Paul to help patients pay for bills. Foursquare does food boxes for Medicaid managed care recipients and we’ve done HUD applications and food stamp applications. So I think we’re doing really good wrap around care to get these patients to feel like they are advocating for themselves and getting the care they need.”
Erlanger offers mental health help and resources to anyone, regardless of ability to pay. If someone does not have insurance or is underinsured, they will get help with a Medicaid packet so that they can get the medical help they need.
With their Telehealth visits for mental health, those who want to see a therapist at the Andrews location will need to come in for an initial session, then can proceed with Telehealth visits if they choose to. If transportation is an issue and they have Medicaid, they will get help with a Medicaid transportation packet if they want to come to in-person sessions.
In terms of their offerings with psychiatry, where they can get medication for any mental health issues they may be having, Erlanger does not have psychiatrists that write prescriptions, but their psychiatrists will write recommendations that the patient can take to their primary care provider.
Talking about the stigmas surrounding mental health, Bowleg-Swan said, “COVID affected all aspects of our lives. It’s still an ongoing study, but as you know we’re in a rural area and stigma really exists, and sometimes keeps people from reaching out for mental health or any other services they need. But that is still ongoing research.”
A part of the grant Erlanger received focuses on education. They are working with different organizations in the community to educate people on mental health. They hold lunch and learnt help educate the community on mental health and the available resources.
In July, Erlanger held one on mental health in rural communities. Their next one is yet to be determined, but the will announce it on its Facebook page.
Erlanger Primary Care in Andrews is at 2751 U.S. 19 Business. Call 828-321-4510. The location in Hayesville is at 146 U.S. E. Call 828-389-3608.
Both locations are open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. The Andrews locations is closed from noon-12:30 p.m. for lunch, while the Hayesville locations is closed noon-1 p.m. for lunch each day.
If you or someone you know is in a life-threatening mental health situation, call the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline by dialing 988.