The only call center in Minnesota taking calls for the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline might be forced to shut down next month.
Whether you have a loved one who called the Lifeline, or have called it yourself, many of us are aware of the importance of this life-saving service. Right now it's struggling to stay afloat financially, and will be forced to shut down May 21 unless it gets help with funding, reports Twin Cities Pioneer Press (TCPP).
Crisis Connection, located in Richfield, is a nonprofit community mental health agency that needs at least $969,000 each year to operate. Legislators sponsor two bills at the Capitol that would fund a grant toward such suicide prevention programs. However, according to Canvas Health CEO Matt Eastwood via TCPP, they are still active from last session and no vote beyond committees has been scheduled.
Without Crisis Connection, those who call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline will be directed to counselors in another state; those who call Crisis Connection's direct line, 612-379-6363, may not have their call answered.
Grants can be a temporary fix, as demonstrated last year. If you'd like to donate to the Crisis Center or learn about volunteer opportunities, visit canvashealth.org. More information about the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline can be found at suicidepreventionlifeline.org.
If you're currently experiencing a mental health crisis, call Crisis Connection at 612-379-6363. The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is 1-800-273-8255. You can also text "MN" to 741741 to connect with a counselor. All calls and texts are free and confidential.