I’ve been reading some materials recently that have alarmed me greatly, related to people taking their own lives. A recent report notes that: “While suicide was the 10th most common cause of death among Americans of all ages in 2017, it was the second leading cause of death among young Americans age 15 to 24, according to new data released Thursday from the National Center for Health Statistics and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.” The data demonstrates that teen suicide rates have increased by more than 50% over the past two decades. That’s a staggering assertion, and one that bears our attention.
On this last Sunday of the month of October, in which the Catholic Church in the United States intentionally focuses on Life issues, I got to thinking about where it is that we turn, beyond prayer, for resources in times of crisis. What follows is the beginning of a list of common hotline numbers or crisis-related resources. It is by no means exhaustive, but a simple beginning, and perhaps may provide a much-needed resource for someone who is in need. Each of the issues addressed here are directly concerned with upholding the human dignity of the person.
Immediate/Imminent Threats - Emergency Services: Call 911
SUICIDE
National Suicide Hotline: 800-784-2433
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-TALK (8255)
U Lifeline (College Students): Text "START" to
741-741 or call 800-273-TALK (8255)
CHILD PROTECTION
CA Child Protection Hotline: 800-540-4000
The Trevor Project: 866-488-7386 (LGBTQ+ Youth)TrevorText: Text START to 678678
Covenant House – Help for runaways:
800-999-9999
DISASTER DISTRESS
Disaster Distress Hotline: 800-985-5990
DOMESTIC VIOLENCE
National Domestic Violence Hotline: 800-799-7233
National Domestic Violence Hotline (Espanol)
800-942-6908
Rape, Sexual Assault, Abuse and Incest National Network (RAINN): 800-656-4673
EATING DISORDERS
National Eating Disorders Helpline: 800-931-2237
This helpline offers support Monday - Thursday from 9:00a.m. - 9:00p.m. EST and Friday from
9:00a.m. - 5:00p.m. EST
Crisis Textline: Text CONNECT to 741741
Available 24/7, 365 days a year, this organization helps people with eating disorders and other mental health issues by connecting callers with trained crisis volunteers.
ELDER ABUSE
LA County Adult Protective Services: 888-202-4248
Elder Abuse Hotline: 877-477-3646
HUMAN TRAFFICKING
National Human Trafficking Hotline: 888-373-7888
BeFree Textline: Text "BeFree" (233733)
VETERAN ASSISTANCE
Veteran’s Crisis Line: 800-273-8255
https://allianceofhope.org/ (Resources for loss survivors)
http://www.sprc.org/ (Suicide Prevention Resource Center)
http://polarisproject.org (Information on Human Trafficking)
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