Amid the twin pandemics of the disproportionate impact of the coronavirus on Black Hoosiers and the reckoning with systemic racism in America, Glynita Bell, a behavioral therapist and licensed clinical social worker, says she's opened her door to more Black women who need emotional support.

Many Indianapolis organizations, public and private, hope to lower violent crime by addressing root causes. These groups mentor, feed people, increase employment opportunities, reduce homelessness and connect those in need with mental health services. This series reports on their work, their funding and their ongoing challenges.

The Mobile Crisis Assistance Team was established in 2015 as part of the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department's Behavioral Health Unit in response to a high number of people experiencing mental health or substance abuse problems in jail and those corresponding 911 emergency calls.

Public health and criminal justice officials say improving the police's relationship with the community isn't possible without addressing mental health -- both with law enforcement and the people they serve.

Where there is a mirror and barber chair, Trey Cato sees a ministry.

The continued stress from COVID-19 has heightened mental health problems nationwide. And some experts say that has led to an increase in drug overdoses. Now, as cases are surging in the Midwest, experts worry about the fallout.

The COVID-19 pandemic is fueling another public health crisis -- involving addiction. The added stress and uncertainty can make people in recovery more vulnerable to relapse. But some say treatment prepared them for what was to come.

Dani Hoover is a 26-year-old social worker in Indianapolis. She has battled depression and anxiety since high school, and the pandemic hasnt made it any easier. Kevin Rand, a psychology professor at Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis, says COVID-19 has had a huge impact around the world.

Teaching is already challenging enough without a pandemic shaking up how the classroom operates. As schools reopen, many districts are focused on keeping their staff and students safe from COVID-19. But the pandemic is also taking a toll on teachers' mental health.

Indiana is getting more people with mental health and substance use disorders connected with peer supports trained professionals who have personal experience with those challenges.