Arkansas Community Foundation has awarded the Ozark Guidance Center Foundation a $25,000 from the COVID-19 Relief Fund to expand technology for services provided by Arisa Health during the COVID-19 outbreak. The funds will be used to continue essential behavioral health services for clients whose treatment has been affected due to the changing conditions during these uncertain times at Arisa Health affiliates Mid-South Health Systems, Professional Counseling Associates, Counseling Associates, and Ozark Guidance.
“Ozark Guidance center is doing important work right now in response to the pandemic. Their behavioral health services in Northwest Arkansas and their use of this funding is exactly why we established the COVID-19 Relief Fund,” shares Heather Larkin, President and CEO of Arkansas Community Foundation. “This is why the Foundation exists. To support nonprofits statewide and to give them the tools and resources they need to improve their communities.”
As a result of the realities of the COVID-19 pandemic, Arisa Health has had to transform its location-driven and in-person system of treatment to more virtual platforms. This adaption has required a tremendous effort by the Information Technology (IT) staff. Working twelve-hour days, seven days a week, IT staff members have been configuring newly purchased and existing chrome books and laptops, installing cameras, expanding licensure for web video technologies and increasing Wi-Fi capacity. Additionally, teams of paraprofessionals have been completing technology surveys for all clients and teaching them to install and use technology for virtual therapy visits.
Arisa Health and the Ozark Guidance Foundation are extremely honored and extend their deepest gratitude to Arkansas Community Foundation for their support.