Firelands hotline changes

TIFFIN --- Firelands Counseling and Recovery Services has announced that it has changed its crisis hotline number. "The Firelands Crisis hotline phone number changed from their 1-800 # to the HOPE line (567-867-HOPE) and is now available 8 a.m. through midnight, seven days per week," said Rose Robins office manager for Mental Health and Recovery Services Board of Seneca, Ottawa, Sandusky and Wyandot counties. Firelands Counseling and Recovery Services has been providing 24/7 Crisis Hotline services for over 35 years, according to a press release from the board. From July 1, 2022 – June 30, 2023, a total of 5,871 calls were made to the hotline in Seneca, Ottawa, Sandusky and Wyandot counties. According to the board, 5,780 were mental health crisis related. "Both the HOPE Line and 988 will connect people to the appropriate resources," Robbins said. According to a release from Board President Mircea Handru, the change has been made due to the creation of the national 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, which provided 24/7 free and confidential support to those experiencing a behavioral health crisis. The line can be reached through call, text or chat. Handru said it is important to know when to call 911 or when to contact 988. "A mental health and/or addiction emergency is a life-threatening situation," he explained in the release. "An immediate response from law enforcement or medics is needed. Examples of mental health emergencies are active suicide threats, self-injury that needs medical attention, severe intoxication and apparent drug overdose. In these cases, call 911." Handru further explained that a mental health or addiction crisis is not a life-threatening situation as intervention may be possible without an immediate response. He provided some examples of mental health and addiction crises in which 988 should be contacted. Talking about suicide Planning on harming oneself Talking about harm to self or others Extreme depressions Anxiety Individuals who experience mental health-related distress, including thoughts of suicide, mental health or substance use crisis, or any other kind of emotional distress should contact 988 or the local HOPE Line at 567-867-4673.