ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. -- Bus drivers with the Pinellas Suncoast Transit Authority are now helping connect riders with free virtual mental health services, provided by a partnership between 211 and Placement Works.
Using grant money through the Pinellas Cares NonProfit Fund, Placement Works is helping support people with free behavioral telehealth services.
Christy Brown, the founder of Placement Works, formed the organization back in 2000 to help people with disabilities find jobs. Since the onset of the pandemic, they've added one-on-one counseling services, on-site crisis management and telehealth group sessions.
They decided to do outreach through the more than 400 PSTA bus drivers because they have huge outreach in the community.
On Wednesday, Brown and other volunteers were there to hand out informational cards on the free programs to drivers who can pass them on to riders in need.
"I think riders will come to them and actually speak and let them know what they're thinking," Brown said.
Learn more about free behavioral telehealth sessions through Placement Works.