New crisis text line available
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The Suicide Prevention Coalition of Logan and Champaign Counties also distributed posters at area high schools Wednesday with the new Crisis Text Line number, 741 741. Pupils and adults who are struggling emotionally or with suicide or substance abuse can text “4HOPE” to the number to receive direct access to a trained counselor.
HOME PAGE SLIDE SHOW PHOTO: Ohio Hi-Point Career Center pupils and members of the school’s Stand Fast Task Force, from the left, Stephen Dunham, Adam Rinker, Taylor Hall, Sandra Alspaugh, Stormy Mossbarger and Shawn Pugin check out Crisis Text Line bracelets (shown above) Wednesday that were distributed to the school by the Suicide Prevention Coalition of Logan and Champaign Counties. (EXAMINER PHOTOS | MANDY LOEHR) |
A simple text message — 4HOPE — can unlock a wealth of resources for individuals who are struggling emotionally or with suicide or substance abuse and could potentially avert a crisis situation.
These resources are available to area residents through a new and confidential Crisis Text Line. Community members can text “4HOPE” to the number 741 741, with the promise of being connected to a trained crisis counselor within five minutes.
To promote this new service to local teens, the Suicide Prevention Coalition of Logan and Champaign Counties visited each of the high schools in the two counties Wednesday. Each of the schools received Crisis Text Line kits containing 400 bracelets, along with stickers and a number of informational posters for display throughout the school buildings.
Reaching high-schoolers with the 24/7 text line information is high on the coalition’s priority list considering the turbulent nature of the teen years, Chair Karey Thompson said during her stop at the Ohio Hi-Point Career Center.
“We especially wanted to inform teens in our community about this service, as we know the teen years can be stressful and full of transitions and so many emotional changes.
“Teens and young adults are also at increased risk for suicide; suicide has moved from the third to the second leading cause of death for youths ages 15-24 in the United States.”
Reaching tech-savvy teens through a text line seemed like a great strategy and a way to open up another avenue of communication, Mrs. Thomspon related. This Crisis Text Line first started in the U.S. in 2013 after its launch in Chicago, and became available to Ohio residents in September.
“We still have a crisis phone line locally, but we recognize this technology age that we’re in,” the coalition chair said. “We figure that teens, and adults oftentimes, too, might be more comfortable texting someone versus making a phone call.
“In fact, I think I’d prefer a text line like this myself. It’s very much familiar territory.”
Text messages sent to 741 741 are free for customers of AT&T, T-Mobile, Sprint or Verizon. For customers of other carriers, standard messaging rates will apply.
A special algorithm reviews the text messages for severity, and messages from someone deemed at imminent risk is placed at the top of the queue.
“The philosophy of the Crisis Text Line is that anyone who reaches out for help deserves a human response. No one should feel alone. Crisis Text Line is there any time, day or night, to help those in need,” Mrs. Thompson said in a letter sent to each of the county schools.
Read complete story in Thursday’s Examiner.
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