Parternship created to help with emotional toll of pandemic

CHENEY — Eastern Washington University will offer virtual coronavirus stress and trauma education.

The university’s School of Social Work and Office of Community Engagement are partnering with Priority Spokane to offer the program, with funding from an Innovia Foundation grant.

The program will help community members to understand the virus’ effects on their well-being, officials said. It will also team them skills to manage any related increase in stress, fear, anxiety and isolation.

“This is really an exciting and collaborative way to help people right now,” Honors and Community Engagement Associate Dean Brian Davenport, Ph.D., said. “Because of the virtual nature of this partnership, we will be able to offer support both locally and in areas

that traditionally don’t have access to these types of opportunities.”

Some of the programs will be facilitated by university students.

“This is a great opportunity for our students to apply what they are learning while also gaining

valuable experience,” School of Social Work Chairwoman Amanda Reedy, Ph.D., said.

Ryan Oelrich, Priority Spokane executive director, said the partnership makes sense.

“Priority Spokane is excited to partner with Eastern Washington University as we work together to address stress and trauma, and their resulting consequences in our community,”

Oelrich said. “The tools, practices, and connections C-STEP groups provide are adaptable and easy to understand. Through this partnership we hope to make them widely available.”