Important Coronavirus Update

HEALTH ALERT

Important Coronavirus Update – April 02, 2020

Message from Our Executive Vice President (DOWNLOAD PDF)
In accordance with Governor DeSantis’ Executive “Stay at Home” Order addressing essential services, we want our community to know that LifeStream will continue operations as normal and we are accepting new consumers and meeting the needs of our existing ones via telehealth and telephone platforms. LifeStream has adapted by developing innovative ways to provide remote care for our community, ensuring that everyone receives needed services during this time of uncertainty. Starting on April 3, 2020, we will begin providing outpatient medication management, outpatient therapy and other clinical services via telehealth and telephone exclusively. Prior to your next appointment, LifeStream will contact you to make sure you have a way to connect with your provider.

Crisis Services

Crisis services remain available 24/7. If you are in crisis, please call our 24-hour crisis hotline at 866.355.9394. LifeStream’s Hospital, Access Centers, Crisis Units, Detoxification Units and Residential Programs will remain open; however, visitation and outside contact will be limited to protect the health of our staff and consumers.

24-Hour Helpline

Our Helpline is a way for individuals experiencing symptoms caused by stress, anxiety or depression due to COVID-19 to speak with a professional without committing to long term therapeutic support. The helpline is confidential. 24-Hour Helpline: 352.408.6625

We don’t know what tomorrow will bring, but please know that we are working diligently to develop and implement comprehensive plans that address how our organization will change its operations as the situation warrants. Daily, we are receiving more information and will continue to act accordingly.

As the community mental health center serving our community for over 49 years, we’ve experienced many crisis situations and are dedicated to supporting you and your behavioral health needs during this unprecedented time. Take care of yourself and your family by practicing the recommended social distancing. For many who have anxiety, depression, OCD or any other behavioral health issue, the current situation can be very challenging. Therefore, taking care of yourself both physically and mentally is equally important. Thank you for your understanding during this time, and please visit our website for updates, resources and information at www.lsbc.net. We are also posting updates and information on our Facebook page. Please stay healthy.

Thank you,

Rick Hankey
Executive Vice President
LifeStream Behavioral Center

Important Coronavirus Update – March 27, 2020

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LifeStream Provides Support for Community During COVID-19

LifeStream is committed to fulfilling our mission of “Creating Hope, Supporting Recovery and Promoting Health” every day of the year, and the importance of our work is even more apparent in times like these when our communities are facing unpredictable and unprecedented challenges. The outbreak of COVID-19 impacts each person’s mental wellbeing in different ways: some may feel anxious, stressed, or fearful while others may feel ambivalent or even frustrated. And still others will experience compounding effects based on mental illnesses they are already navigating in their everyday lives. LifeStream is here for our community as a resource and a partner. Currently our facilities are operational, and we are taking proactive steps to keep our consumers and staff safe while meeting the critical needs of our community.

As the behavioral health care provider serving our communities for over 49 years, we are dedicated to supporting you and your mental health during this unprecedented time. We are committed to being a source of strength, stability and service. We continue to act with responsiveness and responsibility. We will meet this moment with a deep sense of accountability to each other. Even as “social distancing” becomes the new normal, it is the principle of community and a feeling of connectedness that drives us.

Crisis services will remain available 24/7 at our Access Centers located in Lake and Citrus Counties. If you are in crisis, please call our hotline at 1-866-355-9394.

We have also set up a hotline for LifeStream staff as well at the community to call if you have questions about services, or just feel you need someone to speak to. That number is: 352-408-6625. You can find more detailed information by visiting our website at www.lsbc.net or follow us on Facebook.

You are not alone—reach out if you need support

Important Coronavirus Update – March 20, 2020

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LifeStream is taking every measure to protect our staff, consumers and communities during this difficult situation. The news reports and uncertainties concerning coronavirus disease 19 (COVID-19) have many of us feeling anxious. LifeStream is closely monitoring information provided by key government, regulatory and local entities. In the interest of protecting the health and safety of our consumers, staff and our community, the following program information is provided.

Facility Services and Programs

At this time, our facilities and programs are fully operational. We are monitoring consumers and staff for symptoms. We are taking proactive steps to keep our consumers and team members safe while serving the critical needs of our community. We are actively monitoring and responding to all recommendations made by the CDC and our local regulatory and health authorities.

Our Facilities Team continues to deep clean our lobbies, offices and common areas and high touch surfaces regularly.

Crisis Services/Admissions

Crisis services will remain available 24/7 at our Access Centers located in Lake and Citrus Counties. If you are in crisis, please call our hotline at 1-866-355-9394 or our hospital at 352-315-7800.

We are actively working with our referral sources to ensure all necessary medical precautions are taken prior to any new admission. We have instituted protocols to provide staff with the tools and knowledge to avoid exposure to the virus.

Consumer Services

If you have an appointment, please plan to keep it unless you have a cough, fever or other respiratory problems. Out clerical staff may contact you the day before your appointment to do a phone screen and to check on your wellness. You may contact your outpatient clinic if you have any questions or concerns regarding your scheduled appointment. All consumers will be screened for symptoms and have their temperature checked prior to entering any LifeStream facility.

We have distributed additional information for all employees on hand washing and hand sanitation.

Limited Visitation

In order to protect our consumers and staff, the following is in effect until further notice:

All in-person visitation has been suspended at all LifeStream’s inpatient and residential programs. Our consumers will be able to talk to their families and support systems telephonically.

Prevention

The CDC recommends individuals and families follow everyday preventative measures,
such as:

Covering coughs and sneezes with a tissue, then disposing of the tissue
in the trash.
Washing hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds;
especially after using the bathroom, before eating, and after blowing your
nose, coughing or sneezing.
If soap and water are not readily available, use of 60-95% alcohol-based
hand sanitizer is recommended.
Routinely clean frequently touched surfaces and objects.
Stay home when you are sick or experiencing symptoms such as cough,
fever or other respiratory problems.

The CDC does not recommend that people who are well wear a facemask to protect themselves from respiratory illnesses, including coronavirus. You should only wear a mask if a health care professional recommends it or if you have the virus and are showing symptoms.

Thank you for your cooperation and for being an advocate for the health of your loved ones and all consumers in our care.

Thank you,

Jonathan M. Cherry
President/CEO
LifeStream Behavioral Center

Helpful websites with information about the Coronavirus

Center for Disease Control (CDC Main Page):

Psychology Today: How to talk with your kids about the coronavirus outbreak
National Alliance for Mental Illness (NAMI): Tips for people with Mental Illness