Youngstown Daily Legal News

24-hour crisis texting hotline in Ohio now available

ANNIE YAMSON
Special to the Legal News
Published: October 21, 2016

Ohioans in need of help in a crisis now have a new resource in a statewide text line.

Starting this month, any Ohio resident who needs help coping in a crisis can now text the keyword "4hope" to 74174 to be connected to a crisis counselor.

The text line is an effort to utilize the proven benefits of a 24/7 crisis hotline and combine it with changing technology in order to better service a younger population.

Tracy Plouck, director of the Ohio Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services, said in a statement that the Crisis Text Line is not a replacement for counseling, "but when one feels completely overwhelmed, lost and alone, it's a point of connection and way to get to a more stable frame of mind."

"Crisis hotlines have been used successfully for decades," Plouck said, "but technology is changing and we need to be sure to meet Ohioans where they are in order to get them the help they need."

The texting resource is the product of a collaboration between the Ohio MHAS and the Ohio Department of Developmental Disabilities and an ongoing "Strong Families, Safe Communities" partnership that funds innovative projects to assist families and at-risk youth.

When a person in need texts the line, trained crisis counselors are on stand-by to provide a personal response and information on a range of issues including suicidal thoughts, bullying, depression, self harm and more.

"The specialist helps the user stay safe and healthy with effective, secure support and referrals," the Ohio MHAS said in a press release.

The "4hope" keyword was developed by the Stark County Mental Health and Addiction Recovery Board, which piloted a crisis text line for youth and young adults as part of a state funded program.

Stark County MHAR executive director John Aller said that young people may not always be comfortable on the phone but a crisis text line is able to reach more teens who are very comfortable interacting via text message.

"The addition of the Crisis Text Line will bring up-to-date technology to Ohio, so that in times of crisis another option is available for those in need," said State Rep. Marlene Anielski (R-Walton Hills), who advocates for suicide prevention in the legislature. "I am proud of the out-of�the-box thinking from the Ohio Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services and the Ohio Department of Developmental Disabilities and look forward to continuing our partnership in providing additional services to all Ohioans."

The launch of the new resource is the latest in a $2 million suicide prevention initiative that was announced by state officials in the spring.

Ohio sees between 1,200 to 1,500 suicides annually. Although the rate has dropped in recent years, suicide still accounts of 10.8 deaths per 100,000 people in the state. Suicide also ranks as the second leading cause of death among Americans ages 10 to 34.

Those who are uncomfortable texting can still reach the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255.

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