The Hotline is having a HUGE year!  Our phone and crisis text volume has jumped 30% in the past 4 months! We're reaching more Idahoans than ever; but we need your help to launch crisis text response- this additional platform will allow us to reach those not as comfortable calling or texting- older and younger folks, people who just aren't ready to pick up the phone but are comfortable messaging via their computers, and need a supportive compassionate response.

“I really appreciate all the help everyone gave me. Calling the hotline saved my life. I had just suffered a brain injury, and I was having a lot of fear and anxiety. The hotline was there for me when I was cutting myself, and the responders helped me find other things to help me cope with those anxieties instead of cutting. They encouraged me to get mental health assistance and help for my brain injury. You guys don’t know how much you’ve helped me. I really appreciate it.” – Anonymous Hotline caller

A male veteran with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) called the hotline agitated and upset because he had been trying to get psychiatric help without success.  The veteran expressed vague thoughts of harming others but didn’t want help from us and tried to end the call several times. We remained calm, made a good emotional connection with the veteran, and were able to calm him to the point where he agreed to stay safe for the time being. While we kept the vet on the line, the phone room supervisor contacted crisis services at the local VA, and was able to arrange for a warm transfer to the national veteran’s crisis line. The transfer was successful and the call ended with the veteran agreeing to get help at our local VA. After the call, we successfully followed up with crisis staff at the local VA who coordinated getting help to this vet.