People living with mental illness face additional challenges during a pandemic, as do their caregivers and loved ones. Additionally, the pandemic has only magnified disparities and inequalities, with the strong connection between racial inequity and health care access. As a nation in distress, health resources are critical for communities to move forward. SLCL helps to create a healthier community by providing practical techniques for taking care of emotional and physical health during a time of stress and isolation.

SLCL is uniquely positioned to facilitate services and programs that are accessible to the public by partnering with organizations like Mental Health America and Fit & Food Connection. Also, most programs are offered as webinars to value personal privacy during a time when mental health is still shrouded in stigma. Participants express how they appreciate attending from home and watching recordings. Plus, numerous participants follow up with the presenters for additional services, like counseling and weekly check-ins.

SLCL offered 106 physical and mental health programs from Jan-Sep 2021, with over 7,100 attendees and an additional 4,164 views from the 48 programs posted to YouTube. Topics range from strength training, meditation, compassion fatigue, stress management, and the Racism Is a Health Crisis: 21-Day Racial Equity & Social Justice Challenge. A virtual meditation participant in chemotherapy said, “This has been a wonderful complement for helping me to recover from the deterioration of bodily strength and flexibility.”