The online support increases the ACC’s reach and enhances its efforts to be easily available to all state residents who find themselves in a crisis situation. The project is part of the National Emotional Online Support system created by CONTACT USA, a network of crisis intervention and telephone helpline centers across the nation. NEOS will link crisis centers from across the country and provide online emotional support to people who may feel depressed, despairing, or suicidal. This service has the potential to give millions of Americans better access to safe, friendly, and confidential support.
"Young people tend to reach out through online chatting or texting," said Shelby Chandler, executive director of the Arkansas Crisis Center. "With suicide being the second leading cause of death among 18 to 24 year olds, this gives us an important additional way to reach them through today’s preferred methods of communication, allowing everyone to reach out – even when they can’t find their voice."
The ACC and CONTACT USA are setting the standards for online support. "This will bring us to the forefront in helping people in crisis," Chandler said, noting that a crisis is any situation that overwhelms a person’s normal ability to cope with life situations.
The online program is the first grant awarded by the Alex Blackwood Foundation for HOPE. The foundation is named in honor of Little Rock resident Steven Blackwood’s son, who died by suicide in 2008 at the age of 19. "The mission of our foundation is to break the silence! To bring awareness of the harsh reality and the growing epidemic of suicide, while overcoming the stigma that has historically made it acceptable for survivors and our elected officials to hide and hush. Providing HOPE through today’s preferred methods of communication is one of our primary goals," Blackwood said.
The online system, which will begin operating this spring, will be staffed by trained staff and volunteers at the Arkansas Crisis Center. Last year, the ACC received more than 5,900 calls from all over Arkansas, with the exception of one county in the South Central Region of the state. "Arkansas averages losing more than one life a day to suicide and yet only one of three suicidal deaths are reported as such. Statistics indicate that an average of 25 attempts of suicide are made to every suicidal death that occurs." Blackwood also states, "these staggering numbers must be made public so that everyone understands the risks. The only way the numbers are going to improve on this preventable tragedy is to raise awareness and break the silence on suicide. My plan involves a nationwide network to include the existing pockets of efforts throughout the country but it must start right here in Arkansas – my own backyard where suicide has thus far been all but the priority."
CONTACT USA has accredited volunteer-based crisis hotline centers for more than 30 years, and the Arkansas Crisis Center has begun the accreditation process. CONTACT USA’s valuable experience with writing strong, flexible national standards and best practices will ensure that the people of Arkansas get the best help available anywhere in the country.
For more information:
Shelby Chandler, Executive Director, Arkansas Crisis Center, 479-365-2141
Steven Blackwood, President, Alex Blackwood Foundation For Hope, 888-901-5554
Mary Drexler, Executive Director, CONTACT USA, 860-462-3835