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Resources available to TWU community

In these times of uncertainty, the TWU community and immediate family members may be feeling additional stress or isolation due to the COVID-19 crisis. The Office of Human Resources is available to assist you with any questions related to available resources and your mental health benefits. 

Human Resources staff have put together a list of resources for you to use during this time. Many resources are provided by the Employees Retirement System of Texas to all benefits-eligible employees. In addition to state provided resources, you will find a reminder that EAP (Employee Assistance Program) is here to help 24/7 and a list of community provided resources also is listed below. All use of these resources is available with a requirement and expectation that services are anonymous and confidential. Health plans will require that the family member is a participant on the plan. 

Resources available through TWU affiliates

Employees Retirement System

The Employees Retirement System (ERS) has worked with health plan administrators, state leadership, and other state agencies to closely monitor the COVID-19 situation. ERS has provided a list of the following resources and information on its home page:

COVID-19 and your health plan

  • Summary of recommendations regarding proper use of your health plan during this public health crisis

Virtual Visits and telemedicine

  • These programs allow you to see a medical or mental health provider through your smart phone, I-pad, or computer at no cost to participants or lower cost than a typical visit
  • To download the mobile app, visit the appropriate app store or text BCBSTXAPP to 33633 to get a link to download the app

Emotional support

  • Optum RX has opened its Emotional Support Help Line – staffed by mental health professionals – to anyone who may be experiencing fear or stress because of COVID-19. Call (866) 342-6892 (TTY: 711), free of charge, 24 hours a day, seven days a week. This help line is available to anyone, so you can share it with family and friends. Caring professionals may also connect callers to additional resources.
  • HealthSelect of Texas, HealthSelect Secondary, HealthSelect Out-of-State and Consumer Directed HealthSelect (administered by Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Texas) provides you with options for mental health care through Magellan Health. Magellan has opened its crisis help line at (800) 442-4093 (TTY: 711). Mental health virtual visits can also be scheduled with Doctor on Demand at the same out-of-pocket cost as an office visit.

HealthSelect website/app

HealthSelect participants have access to a variety of online wellness resources through Well on Target. It includes personalized tools to support mental and physical health and wellness. Self-management programs include nutrition, fitness, losing weight, quitting smoking, and managing stress.

Well on Target resources that support mental health include these videos:

  • Stress and Coping: Mindfulness Can Help
  • Positive Thinking
  • 5 Ways to Help Your Child Build Resilience
  • Sleep Barriers: Getting Past Barriers to Powering Down

Employee Assistance Program  

All Benefits Eligible employees and their families have access to a variety of services such as counseling and financial services. To access these services contact Alliance Work Partners 24 hours per day online or by phone at 1-800-343-3822. 

 

Community provided resources

Take care of mental health with Sanvello

During these unprecedented times, Sanvello is taking extra measures to ensure people have the tools they need to adjust to this new normal. To help cope with stress and anxiety, Sanvello is a helpful app to download. Learn new skills, join group conversations, find useful techniques and track your emotions to help you feel more calm and in control. There’s even a new Staying Socially Connected community, which provides support as COVID-19 shifts our daily routines. That’s why Optum and Sanvello have waived the cost of premium access. Sanvello is offering free premium access during the COVID-19 crisis. Premiums may apply in the future. 

Residents of the State of Texas

Texans can dial 2-1-1 (option 6) for information on COVID-19 and local community resources on health care, utilities, food, housing and more.

Social Isolation Support

Free, confidential video chats with volunteers from the fields of psychology, social work, and psychotherapy: https://www.wearehearted.com/  

Move More

Join movers and shakers from across the country for short movement parties every weekday with a fun new activity break sponsored by the American Heart Association. Join live every weekday at 8 a.m., and Monday through Thursday at 8 p.m. by clicking on #MoveMore.

Statewide COVID-19 Mental Health Support Line

Texas Health and Human Services has launched a toll-free, 24/7 statewide mental health support line to help Texans experiencing anxiety, stress, or emotional challenges due to the COVID-19 pandemic: (833) 986-1919.

 

TWU Benefits Team

If you need additional information regarding your benefits, contact:

Holly Harris
Senior HR generalist
940-898-3542
Hharris1@twu.edu

Lisa Taylor
Senior HR generalist
940-898-3759
Ltaylor16@twu.edu

Angela Cagle
Manager of benefits and wellbeing
940-898-3552
acagle@twu.edu