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IN THIS ISSUE: ANNUAL PHOTO CONTEST OPENS page 7
NATIONAL NURSES WEEK MAY 6-12
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MAY 6, 2020
SERVING THE LOCAL COMMUNITIES SINCE 1954
VOL LXI • NO 16
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MHALC Offers Mental Health Support By Dayna M. Reidenouer
A lot has been said lately about the importance of physical health as it pertains to the novel coronavirus. However, as people stay confined to their homes or report to jobs where they might be putting themselves at risk of illness, mental health must not be forgotten. “It is just as important to take protective action and precautions for your mental health as you would for your physical health. One cannot exist without the other,” advised Kim McDevitt, executive director of Mental Health America of Lancaster County (MHALC). “COVID-19 has
changed the way we think about things. Where we had safety, we have insecurities. We are also conflicted with feeling anxious but also grateful for some of the gifts that we have received as a result of this crisis. The forced series of events and feelings associated with them can throw our equilibrium off.” MHALC’s mission is to promote optimal mental health through advocacy, education, and support, so the organization has stepped up its efforts to help individuals cope with these trying times. “The uncertainty is what’s unsettling,” McDevitt said. “It’s important to remember, in spite of this all, you still have control over
your day-to-day.” Both solitude and unrelenting closeness can be challenges. For people who seek connection, McDevitt recommended video chats with friends and family or calling someone they might not have talked to in a while. She noted that it is valuable to ask three simple questions of someone who might be struggling with loneliness: Do you feel left out? Do you lack companionship? Do you feel isolated? The answers to these questions can help lonely people acknowledge their isolation and begin to open contact with others in a supportive social network. “Research shows that just reaching See MHALC pg 7
Mental Health America of Lancaster County leaders, including (from left) president Tracey Lavallias, executive director Kim McDevitt, and vice president Julie Weaver, have worked together to ensure their organization is prepared to offer increased mental health support.
Reaching 1,400 Girls At Home May 5K To Go Virtual
Under normal circumstances, Girls on the Run (GOTR) is a 10-week in-person program that couples physical activity with specific lessons to help develop competency in areas related to social,
By Ann Mead Ash
Sarah Adams, of Lititz, was 16 weeks pregnant with her son, Davin, when she and her husband, Clark, received heartbreaking news in May 2018. “We found out … that he had a rare terminal condition,” recalled Sarah, who noted that her son’s problems were caused by a genetic condition called Noonan’s syndrome. Neither she nor her husband carries the gene for the condition. In the face of the news, both Sarah and Clark turned to their faith. “We know God can heal, but we know He doesn’t always heal,” said Sarah. “Every week that (Davin) was living and growing and sick, (we thought), ‘Let’s see if we can get further.’” Sarah said the situation taught her how to live in the moment. “I coped by enjoying the time we had, so we had a gender reveal party and a baby shower,” said Sarah, who noted that she has a number of photos from throughout her pregnancy. On Aug. 1, 2018, Sarah noticed she did not feel Davin moving as often as usual. “We went to the doctor, and they did an ultrasound,” said See Our Baby’s Legacy pg 2
Board members of Our Baby’s Legacy, a new Lancaster County nonprofit focused on providing support to aid families of pregnancy and infant loss, include (from left) Rashell Brunner, Sarah Adams, and Barb Leese.
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The Oles family of Manheim Township, including (from left) Luke, Mary Beth, Mary Kate, and Mark Oles, is taking part in the Girls on the Run At Home curriculum by completing weekly lessons that include discussions and exercises based on a specific theme.
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By Ann Mead Ash
psychological, and physical development for girls in third through eighth grades. The GOTR curriculum is designed to promote good choices for a lifetime of self-respect and healthy living. However, since mid-March, the 1,400 girls in Lancaster and Lebanon counties who were to take part in GOTR this spring have not been living in normal circumstances. Since they are not attending school due to COVID-19 restrictions, they are not able to meet with their coaches and teams regularly after school. GOTR has responded to this situation with two new virtual lessons released each Tuesday as part of the GOTR At Home curriculum. The first See GOTR pg 3
The Founding Of A Legacy