The COVID-19 pandemic has brought a wave of new challenges to most communities, including members of the military, veterans and their families. To address these unique stressors, the American Red Cross is offering  an online, interactive workshop to help the military community manage pandemic-related stress and learn healthy coping methods.

Although the military community is accustomed to constant change and uncertainty, COVID-19 is adding a host of new stressors. Uncertain deployment schedules may cause families to have delayed reunions. Veterans are having to seek out broader support systems, with difficulty accessing community resources, while many are facing additional issues.

“The Red Cross has always been there for the military community, but now we are focusing on accessible skills-building and behavioral health outlets for this community. We know that people are nervous and their access to mental health resources could be limited due to COVID-19,”said Steve Alt, Service to the Armed Forces Regional Program Manager for the Red Cross Southern California Region. “By using a virtual model, people all over the world can log in and connect in real time with a small group of people facing similar concerns.”

Two mental health facilitators run each virtual workshop, which is about 60-90 minutes in length and will have no more than 12 participants. All service members, veterans and their family members are welcome and encouraged to attend the sessions.

To  recreate an in-person environment, each participant will be encouraged to join the discussion and share their experiences. Workshop topics will include:

• Managing the stress of isolation, multitasking, working from home, supporting children, managing health, caring for family members and career interruptions
• Defining stress and recognizing its impact
• Healthy communication during highly stressful times
• Learning relaxation exercises
• Setting goals for building wellness plans
• Getting healthy sleep
• Finding a positive perspective

Clara Barton founded the Red Cross serving armed forces, risking her life to bring supplies and support to soldiers in the field during the Civil War.  Honoring her legacy, the Red Cross has a long tradition of proudly supporting our nation’s military and veteran communities around the world.

To sign up for a virtual workshop or learn more, visit rdcrss.org/2Ti94mn or contact Patricia Perez at patricia.perez2@redcross.org. To learn more about the scope of support offered to military members, veterans and their families, please visit redcross.org/military or download the Red Cross Hero Care App, available in your smartphone app store or by texting ‘GETHEROCARE’ to 90999.