Treating each other with compassion and empathy is how we will get through this pandemic
March 4, 2021
My fellow residents of Wellington-Dufferin- Guelph,
This last year of the COVID-19 pandemic has been extremely difficult. It has put considerable strain on each of us, our families, our friends, our work and our community. It has challenged all of us in ways that haven’t been seen in most of our lives.
Supporting our community in this global crisis has been at the heart of everything Wellington-Dufferin-Guelph Public Health has done over the past year. Staff at our agency continue to work very hard to ensure that the pandemic ends as soon as possible in our region.
In recent weeks, we have noticed a growing number of aggressive and negative comments directed toward our staff over the phone, via email and through online comments. The stress, fear and pandemic fatigue we all feel is real. Most of us are exhausted after a year of living in uncertainty and change.
When we feel stressed or scared, our first response may be to translate those feelings into anger and frustration. However, there is never an excuse to bully or abuse anyone- including Public Health staff. Our team will continue to do everything we can to support you and tackle COVID-19. As we do, please exercise patience and kindness if you are engaging with Public Health staff for any reason. Treating each other with compassion and empathy is the only way we will get through this pandemic.
If you need to reach out for help, there are mental health supports available in our community:
Guelph and Wellington County Residents
Here 24/7 Waterloo Wellington
1 844 437 3247
Dufferin County Residents
24.7 Crisis Support Peel Dufferin
1 888 811 2222
Sincerely,
Dr. Nicola Mercer, MD, MBA, MPH, FRCPC
Medical Officer of Health and CEO
Wellington-Dufferin-Guelph Public Health