Text-based service launched for Albertans stressed over COVID-19
AHS has launched a new text-based service to give Albertans encouragement and ease feelings of stress or anxiety as they respond to recent challenges.
Albertans can text “COVID19Hope” to 393939. In response, they will receive daily text messages on how to focus on healthy thinking or actions to help them manage their mood.
“Connection is so vitally important to our mental and emotional well-being,” Dr. Deena Hinshaw, Alberta’s chief medical officer of health, said in announcing Text4Hope during her daily COVID-19 update on Monday. “All Albertans have been impacted by COVID-19 — and this free program is an additional resource to help us find encouragement and strength as we navigate the day-to-day challenges of a new normal.”
Over the past few days Albertans have been encouraged to take to social media and use the #AlbertaCares hashtag to show how we are caring for one another during these difficult times. Hinshaw said the response has been heartwarming.