The COVID-19 pandemic left huge numbers of casualties in its wake. Millions of people around the world died from the virus directly or through a combination of comorbidity scenarios. And what of the living? Billions of people were denied meaningful contact with each other. Vulnerable populations like young children and the elderly existed in cloistered spaces with scant few connections to the outside world. 

The results were predictable: unprecedented numbers of people struggled to maintain their mental health. The fallout has been messy, with deaths from substance abuse and suicide spiking. Violent crime rose for the first time in decades. No need to go on—you were there.

Fortunately, PBJ Connections was there, too. “PBJ Connections provides professional behavioral health therapy through horses, counseling and nature,” explains PBJ Executive Board Vice President Jennifer Thomson. “Many people can benefit from mental health therapy services, but not everyone has access to them,” she continues. “Breaking the mental health stigma has always been very important to me.”

The organization helps clients through Eagala, which stands for Equine Assisted Growth and Learning Association. Basically, Eagala connects children, adults and families to horses. “PBJ Connections provides Eagala-model equine-assisted psychotherapy services at three barns in the central Ohio area,” says Thomson. Clients do not ride the horses; rather, the animals’ presence serves a facilitating role in the therapy process.

PBJ uses this approach to address issues including addiction, domestic abuse, behavioral disorders, depression, anxiety and trauma. “PBJ Connections does not turn anyone away for services regardless of their ability to pay,” says Thomson. “Each month, we give away roughly $6,000 in services for our clients so they can receive the care they deserve.”

Thomson is engaged in raising funds and awareness for the organization so they can continue to provide those services. The annual Healing with Horsepower Car Show will be held on May 17 at Five14 Church in New Albany. Helping Horses Help Kids & Others, PBJ’s annual gala and largest fundraiser, will take place in October.

While financial donations help PBJ Connections continue to provide services and are always welcome, there are other ways to get involved, too. “We are always looking for volunteers, committee members, and potential board members,” says Thomson. To learn more, email info@pbjconnections.org or visit them online at pbjconnections.org.

In the pandemic’s aftermath, the conversation about mental health has emerged from the shadows. People are talking about it. People are doing something about it. And that’s good horse sense.