UNC Health has launched a hotline for its health care workers to access mental health services.
Any employee of UNC Health can call the line to speak with a trained mental health provider and get a referral for other resources, including social workers, therapists, or online support groups.
During a media briefing, Dr. Samantha Meltzer-Brody said she's heard from health care workers with concerns about anxiety, depression, and lack of sleep. Some are experiencing a feeling of dread going into work.
"Mental health concerns we know are so prevalent given that this is something that's really unprecedented and so severe," she said.
Meltzer-Brody said they're working to destigmatize mental health so more staff will utilize the resource.
In the month since it launched, she said calls to the hotline have gradually increased but did not specify numbers.