Social Distance Assistance VPM

Why are so many people trying their hands at sewing homemade masks? Making a mask not only helps the wearers feel safe, it helps the maker feel useful and part of a movement. We speak with members of an Atlanta-based volunteer group that’s been able to deliver more than 13,000 masks to their local hospital system, hear why a long-time sewist only started making masks in the past week, and even make a couple masks ourselves. Visit vpm.org/helpers for more information. Music by Blue Dot Sessions.

How do you effectively make, wear and take care of a mask? What materials should you use? Should kids be wearing masks? Is it safe to ride a bike or walk your dog without one? How will our society treat mask wearers when we're allowed to be near each other again? We explore these questions and more with Dr. Lindsey Neal, a Charlottesville-based physician. Visit vpm.org/helpers for more information.

How are people continuing to worship and practice their respective religions without coming into contact with each other? While many faith leaders have taken to the digital realm to connect with their communities, some are finding more unexpected ways of gathering, particularly for major holidays. We listen in on an Easter service at a drive-in theater, head to a cemetery for a self-serve Catholic mass, and hear from a tattooed rabbi about how he got creative to modify the traditional Passover Seder to maintain human connection with his congregation.

It's easy to question your faith or lose hope in times of crisis. So, how can you calm yourself and help others at the same time? Kelly interviews married Buddhist couple Robert Chodo Campbell and Koshin Paley Ellison of the New York Zen Center for Contemplative Care (zencare.org) to learn how they are training doctors and faith leaders on the front lines to practice active listening and other "contemplative care" techniques anyone can follow to find peace in difficult moments and prepare yourself for the next challenge.

Isolation can lead to anxiety and depressed thoughts, which means this crisis isn't only wreaking havoc on physical health - it's taking a toll on mental health as well. So, how can you cope? We tracked down helpers from around the world who are encouraging people to acknowledge these feelings and work together in creative ways to overcome them.
Resources:


crisistextline.org (or text HOME to 741741)

validationstation.net

soundcloud.com/emily-shaw-creates

quarantinechat.com

We're all in this together, but not in the way we've been able to with other tragedies. What does it mean to experience collective trauma from a distance, and how can we cope? We spoke with Deb Del Vecchio-Scully about her work as a counselor and trauma specialist working with frontline workers through this crisis, as well as simple, helpful techniques you can employ to improve your brain health. Visit https://www.coronavirusonlinetherapy.org/resources for online therapy sessions and a list of useful coping techniques.