LifeStream provides support for community during virus outbreak

LifeStream’s 24-Hour Access Center at 2020 Tally Road in Leesburg.

LifeStream Behavioral Center, based in Leesburg, wants to assure members of the community that it remains committed to fulfilling its mission of “creating hope, supporting recovery and promoting health” every day of the year.

LifeStream is a behavioral health and social services organization that since 1971 has been providing high-quality inpatient and outpatient treatment, residential services, education, care and case management, rehabilitation, child welfare, primary care and homeless services to children, adolescents, adults and seniors.

LifeStream primarily serves Lake, Sumter and Citrus counties, with additional programs located in Orange, Marion, Hernando and Hillsborough counties.

LifeStream leaders recently issued this public service announcement:

“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 well-being 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 already are 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 to call if you have questions about services or just feel you need to speak to someone. That number is 352.408.6625. You can find more detailed information by visiting our website at lsbc.net or follow us on Facebook.

“You are not alone—reach out if you need support.”