Crisis Call Spike Reflects the Times

Oregon Partnership's 24-hour crisis lines are reflecting the stress and strain of an economy that sees more people out of work, homeowners unable to pay their mortgages, and families worried about their savings.
"It stands to reason that when the unemployment rate goes up and prices do too, so does the tension level for more Oregonians," said Leslie Storm, director of Oregon Partnership's Crisis Line Program.
Storm notes that during the last couple of months, callers have been mentioning job and money issues.
 "The great majority of our calls are from those in crisis as a result of drugs and alcohol," explained Storm. "But it seems that all the implications of the economy are having an impact too."
Oregon Partnership's HelpLine  (1-800-923-HELP) provides crisis intervention, including confidential alcohol and drug crisis counseling and treatment referral. 
OP's Suicide Prevention Line (1-800-273-TALK) is the state's only suicide crisis hotline certified by the American Association of Suicidology and is part of the National LifeLine Network.
Operated by experienced staff and about 75 volunteers who undergo 56 hours of crisis line skills training, the four lines – including The YouthLine and Linea de Ayuda -  are the lifeblood for those in crisis and feel they have nowhere else to turn.