Suicide prevention hotline now available via text message
by Steven John, Minnesota Public RadioSt. Paul, Minn. — The state's suicide prevention hotline is meeting teens where they text.
Minnesota's statewide suicide prevention call center is now conversing with teens via text each day, at a monthly rate comparable to the number of conversations over the phone. But, the teen texting suicide prevention line has only been rolled out in seven northeast Minnesota counties.
The program is funded by a $1.4-million federal Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration grant awarded to Carlton County. Dave Lee, director of the Carlton County Public Health and Human Services Department, speaks with MPR.
Message the suicide prevention line texting the word "LIFE" to 839-863, available 3 p.m. to midnight, or contact Crisis Connection by phone, 1-800-273-8255, available 24 hours daily.
Crisis Connection is a nonprofit agency that provides 24-hour crisis counseling by telephone, and now via text message.
