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County Executive Curran Encourages Participation in Free Virtual COVID-19 Support Group for Survivors of the Coronavirus

Written by Long Island  |  13. November 2020

“For many of the thousands of residents who survived COVID-19, the battle is not yet over. While we still do not know the long-term effects, there are reports of lingering symptoms that are plaguing these COVID-19 survivors and causing more stress in their lives. I want all COVID survivors to know, whether you are dealing with physical or emotional complications from your battle with this unprecedented illness, you are not alone and there is help available. Thank you Emerge for starting this support group for Nassau’s survivors to start a dialogue with others that know what they are going through and to get solutions from professionals,” said Nassau County Executive Laura Curran.

While the long-term effects of COVID-19 are not yet known, the bi-weekly COVID-19 support group provides survivors with an avenue to start a dialogue with other survivors and professionals about the lingering health effects and mental health issues they have experienced since being diagnosed with COVID-19.

Curran joined with the founder of the support group, Emerge, operated by Paragon Management in Glen Cove, to give more details on their mission, how to participate and to hear virtual testimonials from several participants.

Emerge saw the need in June to address the lingering emotional and psychological health issues experienced by people who survived the coronavirus. They started bi-monthly, free virtual supports groups, available to anyone, regardless of where they lived. The support group sessions take place as Zoom meetings and are led by professionals on staff at the Sub-Acute Rehabilitation Centers, including a psychologist, and Lisa Penziner RN the special projects manager.

“As we see more people who have recovered from the coronavirus, we know that many of them continue to have lingering health issues and in some cases, they show signs of post-traumatic stress syndrome,” said Ms. Penziner. “I’d like to thank the County Executive for her support in getting the word out about the help that is available for COVID-19 survivors. It’s so important that as many people as possible know about this free support group. A support group provides people with an opportunity to be with others who are likely to understand what they are going through. This can reduce feelings of loneliness, distress, depression, anxiety and fatigue. “

Over the past six months the support group has been virtually attended by people not only living on Long Island, but also from other states.

The next Post COVID-19 Support Groups will take place on:
Wednesday, November 18, December 2, December 9 and December 30 . All meetings are at 6 p.m. To receive the Zoom invite information to participate, please email 
lisa.penziner@paragonmanagementsnf.com or call 516-457-5585
.

 

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