Mental wellness remains top priority for essential workers The Erie County Department of Mental Health continues to collaborate with community organizations to build robust mental health resources for those in need. Author: Liz Lewin (WGRZ) Updated: 11:48 PM EST December 16, 2020 BUFFALO, N.Y. — COVID-19 has pushed all of us to our limits, but some more than others. Since day one, frontline and essential workers, from health care workers to first responders and so many in between, have been called on to not do their everyday jobs but then some. Life is moving as smoothly as possible, despite the pandemic, thanks to the sacrifice, courage and hard work of so many people. But at cost to them?