Helper, Healer, Mitigator: The Essential Role of the Human Services Provider in Current and Post-Pandemic Climates

In the heart of the current COVID-19 outbreak, individuals are experiencing higher rates of mental and emotional distress associated with the unpredictability of a pandemic experience. Human services providers (HSPs) serve as essential supports for individuals, families, and communities affected by the current pandemic. However, relatively little guidance currently exists on the work of HSPs in response to COVID-19, including strategies and interventions that HSPs can employ to effectively address the growing mental and emotional health demands during the pandemic. In response, this article identifies the vital role and strategic response approaches of HSPs during a pandemic crisis. Further, we explore how HSPs can leverage, in a practical way, existing strategies within their helper, healer, and mitigator capacities to sustain individual and community care in the immediate, intermediate, and extended time frames of a pandemic occurrence. This is the first of two articles comprising the special issue’s section on Social Systems in the Moment.