The COVID-19 pandemic has brought significant changes to Iowans’ daily lives, as well as loss of employment for many and fewer connections with loved ones, which has brought a greater demand for counseling and other resources.

Iowa State University Extension and Outreach offers Iowa Concern, a confidential hotline which gives access to stress counselors and an attorney for legal education, as well as information and referral services for a wide range of topics. Extension Human Sciences Specialist Mackenzie DeJong shares how usage of Iowa Concern has changed recently, “Last year in March of 2019 they had around 1,400 to 1,500 calls while this year we had around 3,800 to 3,900 calls in March so definitely there’s been more questions.”

Extension is offering free virtual programs for those experiencing a sense of loss, sadness, and isolation during the pandemic. They have partnered with COVID Recovery Iowa to host, “I Feel ‘Blue’: Resources for Life in a Pandemic,” with dates scheduled from now through October. They are also hosting a program titled “I Worry All the Time: Resources for Life in a Pandemic,” which will provide education about anxiety and offer tools to manage worry. For information on how to sign up for either of these programs, visit this story at raccoonvalleyradio.com.