The Opportunity

Ø      Local community crisis centers across the U.S. are being invited to become part of the National Hopeline Network 1.800.SUICIDE, a growing network of certified crisis centers working together to reduce suicides.

Ø      Until September, 2004, your center can now become certified by the American Association of Suicidology (AAS) and part of the National Hopeline Network at no cost to your center. All first-year certification and networking fees will be covered by a three-year, $7.55 million federal grant received by the AAS and the Kristin Brooks Hope Center (KBHC).

Ø      By becoming AAS certified and joining the National Hopeline Network, your center will be able to provide your community with an even greater level of service while, at the same time, receiving all the benefits of being part of a nationwide initiative to improve suicide prevention.

The Network

Ø      Callers to 1.800.SUICIDE reach a trained counselor within two to three rings from the moment they dial the toll-free number. They will never get a busy signal because the Network’s integrated system “reads” the caller’s area code then seamlessly transfers the call to the closest participating crisis center.

Ø      The National Hopeline Network 1.800.SUICIDE provides appropriate, critical services available to all callers in need, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week throughout the United States .

The Benefits

Participation in the National Hopeline Network 1.800.SUICIDE helps your organization:

Ø      Fulfill its mission to save lives by making it easier for people in need to get help 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Ø      Take advantage of being part of a national initiative while remaining a unique, autonomous local crisis center provider.

Ø      Have access to free web-based technology to streamline data collection and access to resources.

Ø      Use the 1.800.SUICIDE hotline number without having to pay the phone bill.

Ø      Have the opportunity to interact with other National Hopeline Network crisis centers through the 1.800.SUICIDE listserv.

Ø      Receive a free subscription to Preventing Suicide: The National Journal.

Background Information

Ø      Currently, the National Hopeline Network averages over 750 calls per day from across the continental United States , Alaska and Hawaii .

Ø      The National Hopeline Network currently brings together almost 100 certified crisis centers across the United States .

Ø      Our goal is to certify and bring an additional 200 crisis centers into the National Hopeline Network with funds from the three-year (2001-2004), $7.55 million grant provided by the federal Substance Abuse Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA).

Ø      Started in May, 1999, the National Hopeline Network is a joint initiative of the AAS, a not-for-profit organization dedicated to understanding and preventing suicide, and the KBHC, program manager of the National Hopeline Network.

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