CrisisLink Blog

Should I Be Concerned? Suicide/Depression Awareness - Learn the Facts

2010-12-07T17:57:00.000-05:00

The Westfield High School Department of Student Services will host a parent program on Monday, December 13th at 7:00 pm in the auditorium. Learn the facts that will help you understand the warning signs of suicide and depression. Familiarize yourself with the school and community resources available. A panel of professionals will present information and answer questions about this important topic. We hope to see you at the Westfield High School auditorium on Monday, December 13th at 7:00 for this informative program.

View the presentation prepared by Westfield High School

Can't view presentation? Click here to view.

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CrisisLink brings immediate help, hope, and healing to empower individuals facing serious life challenges, suicidal thoughts, emotional or situational problems. http://www.crisislink.org.

2010-2011 Quick Guides Now Available

2010-07-30T09:49:00.001-04:00

The new 2010-2011 Quick Guide is now available. The Quick Guide is a handy pocket reference with contact information for agencies providing frequently-requested human services in Northern Virginia.

The Quick Guide is published by the Northern Virginia Regional Commission (NVRC) in collaboration with CrisisLink. Quick Guides can be ordered directly from NVRC's web site.

Order Your Copy Today

Make a Difference: Donate. Volunteer. Participate.

CrisisLink brings immediate help, hope, and healing to empower individuals facing serious life challenges, suicidal thoughts, emotional or situational problems. http://www.crisislink.org.

Volunteers Needed at CrisisLink's Life Rocks! Benefit Concert to Support Youth Suicide Prevention

2010-07-27T14:01:00.004-04:00

CrisisLink is holding Life Rocks! Benefit Concert to Support Youth Suicide Prevention on Thursday, Sept. 9th at Jammin' Java in recognition of the 2010 National Suicide Prevention Week. The doors are opening at 6 and the show, headlined by Berrett and Harrison, begins at 7p.m.

We'd like your help in setting up, greeting guests, distributing information and answering questions about CrisisLink to attendees.

Please contact Elizabeth Yen at Elizabeth@crisislink.org or by calling 703-516-6778.

Make a Difference: Donate. Volunteer. Participate.

CrisisLink saves lives and prevents tragedies every day by providing those facing life crises, trauma, and suicide with support, information, and links to community resources. http://www.crisislink.org.

Volunteers Needed: Help CrisisLink During Suicide Prevention Week

2010-07-27T13:35:00.009-04:00

CrisisLink is holding a fundraising event in recognition of the 2010 National Suicide Prevention Week on Tuesday, September 7th at Dogfish Head AleHouse in Falls Church located at 6220 Leesburg Pike, Seven Corners Shopping Center, Falls Church, VA, 22044 from 1130 A.M.-11 P.M. and 15% of the day's total sales will benefit CrisisLink! Please help us by coming out and spreading the word. All are welcome- your taste buds will thank you, and so will we! :)

TO HELP VOLUNTEER: We need volunteers to help at the restaurant from 1130am-11pm to help at an information table CrisisLink will have set up. We need your help distributing information, answering questions about CrisisLink and running a raffle all day!

If this is something you would like to help volunteer at please contact Elizabeth Yen at Elizabeth@crisislink.org or call 703-516-6778.

Make a Difference: Donate. Volunteer. Participate.

Volunteer Opportunity for Fairfax 4-H Fair

2010-07-27T13:25:00.003-04:00

CrisisLink needs volunteers to volunteer their time at the 62nd Annual Fairfax 4-H Fair at the Herndon Frying Pan Park on Saturday, August 7th from 9am-9pm. The volunteers will be broken up into time shifts. We'd like your help distributing information and answering questions about CrisisLink to the fair attendees. The volunteers will be seated at a table in the 4-H corridor along with other local non-profits and businesses!

TO APPLY: Email Elizabeth Yen at Elizabeth@crisislink.org or call 703-516-6778

Make a Difference: Donate. Volunteer. Participate.

Last Chance! Create a Name for our Youth Benefit Concert!

2010-07-22T15:09:00.005-04:00

Are you creative? Come up with a name for our high school youth benefit concert on Thursday, September 9th from 6-9 P.M. during the 2010 National Suicide Prevention Week and win two free tickets to the show at Jammin' Java! Jammin' Java is located at 227 Maple Avenue East Vienna, VA 22180-4630. Berrett and Harrison will be headlining the show! Email jennifer@crisislink.org by July 27th with your idea! Don't forget the winner gets two free tickets to the show along with two free gift cards! :)

Make a Difference: Donate. Volunteer. Participate.

Worry, Sadness, Stress Increase With Length of Unemployment

2010-07-01T10:06:00.004-04:00

Americans who are unemployed for more than six months are much more likely to experience daily negative emotions, including worry, sadness, and stress and somewhat less likely to report positive emotions, such as happiness, than are those who are unemployed for a shorter time. Read this article to find out more.

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Conversations with: Michael Eisenhauer, CrisisLink Community Resource Specialist

2010-06-29T15:37:00.014-04:00

Michael Eisenhauer talks about 2-1-1 VIRGINIA.

What is the 2-1-1 VIRGINIA program? Who should call?

2-1-1 VIRGINIA can be utilized by anyone, 24 hours/7 days a week. There are many distinctions between 2-1-1 VIRGINIA and 4-1-1. 2-1-1 VIRGINIA is staffed by Certified Community Resource Specialists who assess the caller's needs, and direct callers to health and human services in the community. Specialists can also advocate on a caller's behalf to help them more efficiently navigate through the health and human service network. We have specific target groups that allow us to search for services for veterans, seniors, persons with disabilities, youth, refugees, and more. 2-1-1 VIRGINIA also offers follow up calls to gather information about the quality of service and to check to see if the needs of the caller were met.

Why do you think the 2-1-1 VIRGINIA program is an important service?

2-1-1 VIRGINIA links people to community resources (legal aid, youth programs, tutoring, mental health services, credit counseling, low cost health clinics, employment resources, child care, volunteer opportunities, foreclosure prevention, housing, etc). The service is free, confidential, and available 24 hours a day/7 days a week. The service empowers individuals to find resources in the community. For example, social workers, teachers, counselors, and other professionals can use 2-1-1 to get their clients, students, and patients connected to resources.

When did you begin working for the 2-1-1 VIRGINIA program?

I began working for the 2-1-1 VIRGINIA program in January, 2009, about 1.5 years ago. I continue to value the job position because it allows me to be in an active helping role. I am able to directly assist any person in the Commonwealth of Virginia with issues and concerns that are extremely important for the caller in the "here and now" moment. The work allows for us to develop a larger understanding of the health and human services in the region and how they interact and work together.

Can you describe a typical phone call?

The majority of callers are looking for assistance for basic needs. They are looking for financial assistance with their electric or gas bill and for their rent. They are in need of food and are reaching out for food pantries in the region. Many are in desperate financial situations due to recent job layoffs and unemployment. Others who are not insured are looking for affordable dental and medical care. Callers have multiple concerns. For example, they may be calling for help with their electric bill, but after assessing their needs, they may also need prescription assistance, counseling, medical care, education, transportation, child care, and more.

Can you share with us a recent phone call you had?

A father with young children has been unemployed for some time and was looking for help with a disconnected light bill. After exploring the caller's situation further, I was able to refer him to the Department of Social Services to apply for Food Stamps, the Health Department's WIC program for his 7 month old child, and employment agencies in Fairfax County.

If someone is interested in becoming a volunteer for the 2-1-1 VIRGINIA program, how can they do so?

Please contact CrisisLink's Hotline and Volunteer Manager by going to CrisisLink's website: http://www.crisislink.org/volunteer or by calling (703) 527-6016

Make a Difference: Donate. Volunteer. Participate.

National Men's Health Month!

2010-06-24T10:14:00.004-04:00

Join your community in promoting Men's Health Month!! Help educate and learn more about increasing the physical and mental health of boys and men to live fuller and happier lives. 2-1-1 VIRGINIA, a program of CrisisLink, can connect you to community resources that promote healthy living. This includes recreation, physical fitness, nutritional education, counseling, clinics and physician referrals.

The Caroline County Community Center offers a variety of community activities and programs for all age groups. Get involved in basketball, softball, gymnastics, football or soccer. From September to June, the Community Center's after school recreational programs are also available and summer camps from June to August. Call 2-1-1 now to get connected to your local Community Center and other resources that promote Men's Health.

Make a Difference: Donate. Volunteer. Participate.

A Support Group Near You!

2010-05-18T09:59:00.014-04:00

During National Mental Health Month, it important to highlight local community support. CrisisLink can connect you to local support groups that specialize in mental health. By dialing 2-1-1, you can be directed to agencies that offer support groups for depression, anxiety, loss, and trauma. There are also groups available for relatives and families of the mentally ill. CrisisLink can link you to support groups related to the following: Parenting, domestic violence, substance abuse, separation and divorce, anger management, grief, HIV/AIDS, cancer, and more.

Northern Virginia Family Service (NVFS), a CrisisLink Community Partner, offers mental health services ranging from individual, couples, family and group counseling to support for youth, anger management, survivors of torture and severe trauma, prevention of gang involvement, and domestic violence.

To get connected to a support group near you, call CrisisLink by dialing 2-1-1.

Make a Difference: Donate. Volunteer. Participate.

Lend a Hand, Become a Volunteer!

2010-05-11T11:36:00.005-04:00

Stigma, lack of resources and health insurance limitations are just some of the hurdles faced by the 60 million American adults who endure mental illness, according to former first lady, Rosalynn Carter. In her book, Within Our Reach: Ending the Mental Health Crisis and through community outreach, Mrs. Carter advocates for people to take the time to volunteer in the mental health field and support those in need.

Interested in joining the effort? Volunteering provides people with the opportunity to give back to the community, learn new skills and feel valued.

Consider making a difference with CrisisLink! CrisisLink volunteers stand in a unique position to impact the community by providing crisis prevention and intervention services. CrisisLink offers several volunteer opportunities both on and off the hotline, and is actively seeking a bi-lingual crisis counselor volunteer. Applications are now being accepted.

For more information on this and other volunteer opportunities, call CrisisLink by dialing 2-1-1.

Make a Difference: Donate. Volunteer. Participate.

Mulitcultural Mental Health

2010-05-03T10:58:00.006-04:00

Are you a refugee or immigrant in need of mental health services? Do you have a friend, client or acquaintance who could benefit from counseling or support groups? Where do you turn if you need mental health services but speak little to no English?

According to Northern Virginia Family Service "It is widely accepted among mental health professionals that poverty, trauma, isolation produced by cultural and language barriers and other such stressors often compromise mental health and stability."

Discovering resources in the area can be challenging especially if you don't know where to turn. Northern Virginia Family Service provides Muliticultural Human Services that is staffed by multicultural workers. They provide services to individuals, couples and families from different cultures. Whether you are looking for legal services, counseling, help with improving speaking English or even becoming a volunteer, Northern Virginia Family Service is available to help.

Call CrisisLink by dialing 2-1-1 to get connected to Northern Virginia Family Service and other Health and Human Services today!

Make a Difference: Donate. Volunteer. Participate.

CrisisLink Recognizes Mental Health Month

2010-04-28T16:33:00.015-04:00

Get educated, get connected, get help!

May is Mental Health Month. To recognize the importance of good mental health, CrisisLink will be featuring new blog articles weekly. Each week different mental health resources will be highlighted and CrisisLink will share important mental health facts and tips to stay healthy.

Mental illness affects 1 in every 4 adults in the United States. CrisisLink responds daily to those struggling with mental health issues and works to prevent mental health crises from becoming escalated emergencies. CrisisLink also connects callers to additional mental health resources whenever possible. In CrsisisLink's information and referral database there are hundreds of mental health resources such as support groups, inpatient and outpatient therapy, and substance abuse programs.

To learn more about the mental health resources CrisisLink has to offer, dial 2-1-1. Check back every Thursday for information on different mental health resources!

If you or someone you know is in crisis, dial CrisisLink at 703-527-4077 or 1800-273-TALK to speak to the 24/7 crisis hotline.

Make a Difference: Donate. Volunteer. Participate.

Health Care Made Easy!!

2010-04-13T09:06:00.007-04:00

Tired of not finding the right health care resources? Looking for a solution to help during these desperate times? Searching for pregnancy services, immunizations, AIDS/HIV services, health support groups, dental care and more?

You could benefit from the Health Care Resources Speed Networking Event!
Sponsored by the Northern Virginia Access to Health Care Consortium.

When: Thursday, April 22nd 2010
Time: 9:30 am- 12:30 pm
Where: InovaCares Clinic for Women and Children
6400 Arlington Blvd, 1st floor, Falls Church, VA

This dynamite event will allow the public to gain knowledge about health and human resources in their area.

CrisisLink's 2-1-1 VIRGINIA Community Resource Specialists will be there helping consumers find the right resources to meet their needs. CrisisLink makes accessing health care worry free!

Make a Difference: Donate. Volunteer. Participate.

CrisisLink Works with Financial Literacy Network to Address Risk Factors Associated with Depression, Anxiety, and Suicide

2010-04-08T14:08:00.002-04:00

CrisisLink has partnered with Our Daily Bread, NOVACO, Inc., and the Financial Literacy Network (FLN) to help people gain control of their finances and save for the future. With funding from the Fairfax County Department of Family Services, the FLN will provide budgeting and credit classes, financial mentoring, and follow-up assessments to Fairfax residents seeking to improve their financial situations.

The increased stress brought on by financial distress can significantly increase a person's risk for developing depression, anxiety, compulsive behaviors, and substance abuse. According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), financial factors "can cause strong feelings such as humiliation and despair, which can precipitate suicidal thoughts or actions among those who may already be vulnerable to having these feelings because of life-experiences or underlying mental or emotional conditions (e.g., depression, bi-polar disorder) that place them at greater risk of suicide."

By helping people in financial distress get back on track, CrisisLink and the FLN are helping people stay healthy--mentally, physically, and financially.

This program will launch soon, so stay tuned for details. You can find out more by visiting the Financial Literacy Network or calling CrisisLink. Dial 2-1-1 to speak to one of CrisisLink's Community Resource Specialists today.

Resource: Guide to Getting Through Tough Economic Times (SAMHSA)

Make a Difference: Donate. Volunteer. Participate.

Mental Wellness for the Next Generation

2010-04-07T12:22:00.006-04:00

Are you a parent, young person or teacher? Interested in mental health? The Fairfax Partnership for Youth, co-sponsored by CrisisLink, is hosting a Mental Wellness Conference on Monday, April 12th from 11am – 4pm! Come participate in workshops to learn about youth mental health evaluations and techniques to increase well-being. To register for the event, click here.

The Fairfax Partnership for Youth is an organization dedicated to finding, “solutions for youth challenges.” They offer after-school programs, mentoring partnerships, youth depression treatment and suicide prevention.

For more information on this and other mental health and youth services, call CrisisLink by dialing 2-1-1.

Make a Difference: Donate. Volunteer. Participate.

Who's Hiring?

2010-04-02T09:38:00.007-04:00

CrisisLink was present for the Fairfax 6th Annual Mega Job Fair last weekend with more than 50 employers and service providers. We handed out pamphlets and information about employment resources throughout Northern Virginia. By dialing 2-1-1, CrisisLink can provide referrals to job seekers and employers. Whether you are looking for job search and placement assistance or job readiness training such as resume writing and interview skills, CrisisLink can get you connected! There are also services targeted for persons with disabilities, youth, adults, seniors, and veterans.

The Laurie Mitchell Employment Center, a CrisisLink Community Partner, helps people with mental health issues and other disabilities get training and access to employment resources. They provide computer classes in Excel and Word and give professional workshops that address issues in the work place.

For more information about job training, employment resources, and volunteer opportunities in your community, call CrisisLink by dialing 2-1-1!

Make a Difference: Donate. Volunteer. Participate.

Virginia Department of Emergency Management to use 2-1-1 during times of emergencies

2010-03-25T18:18:00.000-04:00

The Virginia Department of Emergency Management announced today that VDEM will utilize 2-1-1 VIRGINIA during times of emergency. During emergencies, residents can dial 2-1-1 from their telephones to find information on the services available to help them cope with the emergency.

As the 2-1-1 provider for Northern Virginia, CrisisLink will help the region's 2.4 million people find the services they need during emergencies. Read more about CrisisLink and 2-1-1 VIRGINIA.

Make a Difference: Donate. Volunteer. Participate.

Credit Protection!

2010-03-10T08:27:00.004-05:00

Do you know your current credit score? If not, how would you know how to find it? Well you're in luck because March 7th-March13th is Consumer Protection Week! Several free events will be held throughout Fairfax County to educate the public about consumer resources in the area.

March 9th, noon-1:00 pm- Energy Saving Tips for Consumers, Fairfax County Government Center.
March 9th, 6:45 to 8:00 pm- How to Hire a Home Improvement Contractor, Sherwood Regional Library
March 10th, 10:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., Consumer Affairs investigators will be answering questions, NVCC Annandale Campus
March 10th 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., Consumer Affairs investigators will be answering questions, South County Center
March 11, noon to 1:00 p.m., What's in Your Credit Report?, Herrity Building

CrisisLink's 2-1-1 program will be helping the Financial Literacy Network at the Fairfax County Government Center March 10th 11:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. by offering a financial assessment test to help improve financial fitness. Call CrisisLink by dialing 2-1-1 to learn more about consumer protection and get connected to other health and human resources today!

Make a Difference: Donate. Volunteer. Participate.

Power to the Parents

2010-03-03T17:33:00.003-05:00

With diapers, day care and doctors, the idea of becoming a parent can be both exciting and frightening. The financial strains of family life can be overwhelming, and the idea of finding affordable resources may seem out of reach.

CrisisLink can connect parents with a variety of free and low cost resources in the area, whether you’re interested in support groups for new moms, child day care options, children’s clothing or parenting classes.

Birthright International, a CrisisLink Community Partner, is one of these resources and provides free and confidential services to expectant mothers. They offer a variety of services including free pregnancy tests, physicians referral, maternity and infant clothes as well as help obtaining public services.

For more information on this and other parenting resources, call CrisisLink by dialing 2-1-1.

Make a Difference: Donate. Volunteer. Participate.

2-1-1 Vitamin Boost

2010-02-25T09:14:00.008-05:00

Everyone knows the importance of nutrition and eating right, but how can you eat well while stretching the dollar and feeding your family on a limited income?

CrisisLink can connect you to organizations whose mission is to improve health knowledge and teach basic nutrition skills while paying attention to the wallet. By dialing 2-1-1, CrisisLink can direct you to agencies that target specific populations, such as pregnant women, infants, children, adults and seniors to eat right and live healthy lives.

There are resources for all-plant-based diets, diabetic diets, salt restricted diets, and weight loss and gain diets. If you are in need of health screening, nutrition counseling, or even classes on cooking or grocery shopping, CrisisLink can help! Get connected to community resources by dialing 2-1-1!

Make a Difference: Donate. Volunteer. Participate.

When it Snows, CrisisLink Answers!

2010-02-24T17:15:00.009-05:00

When it snows, CrisisLink is the place to call for information about shelter, food, and public safety.

During the February 2010 storms, CrisisLink and the 2-1-1 VIRGINIA system answered calls from across the state from people without power, who needed emergency shelter, were concerned about their roofs collapsing, or needed other related services. Governor McDonnell and the Virginia Department of Emergency Management encouraged residents to dial 2-1-1 for the latest available shelters and warming stations. CrisisLink fed local information to the statewide system around the clock to ensure that everyone had the latest official information on disaster services available.

When it snows CrisisLink can:

Direct you to emergency winter shelters if your power goes out
Provide phone numbers for non-emergency police and your local emergency management hotline
Refer you to food pantries, thrift stores, and donated house hold items
Help you find financial assistance resources to keep your heat on

To get connected to disaster and other services, please call CrisisLink by dialing 2-1-1.

Make a Difference: Donate. Volunteer. Participate.

CrisisLink Celebrates 2 Years of Service!

2010-02-24T11:44:00.003-05:00

*New Date for the 2-1-1 Anniversary!!!*

Looking for something fantastic to do on

March 13th?

February 11th marked the 2nd anniversary of 2-1-1 VIRGINIA at CrisisLink and in Northern Virginia. Since coming to CrisisLink two years ago, we have answered nearly 12,000 calls from residents in need in our community.

In recognition of the anniversary, CrisisLink staff and volunteers will be distributing materials in 7 jurisdictions in Northern Virginia to spread the word about this important service. If you are interested in celebrating with us by distributing materials please click here.

WHAT: DISTRIBUTING 2-1-1 POSTERS, BROCHURES AND WALLET CARDS IN YOUR COMMUNITY (CHURCHES, GROCERY STORES, WORKPLACE)
WHEN: March 13TH 2010 8:00 am -10:00 am
WHERE: 1ST FLOOR 5275 LEE HIGHWAY, ARLINGTON VA, BREAKFAST WILL BE PROVIDED
RSVP TO: JOINUS@CRISISLINK.ORG ASAP! PLEASE INCLUDE THE COUNTY IN WHICH YOU WOULD LIKE TO DISTRIBUTE MATERIALS

*Bonus* A $100 gift card will be rewarded to the volunteer who distributes the most materials!

Make a Difference: Donate. Volunteer. Participate.

National Survey Shows Correlation Between Unemployment and Serious Mental Health Issues

2010-02-12T12:21:00.022-05:00

A recently released national survey done by the National Alliance on Mental Illness in collaboration with the Depression is Real Coalition, shows evidence that the recent climb in unemployment directly affects the mental health of the nation. The statistics show that 10% of the United States is currently without work. As unemployment soars, so do feelings of inadequacy and hopelessness. You can find out information on counseling, job boards, unemployment offices and local social services departments by contacting CrisisLink.

**Please click on the graph to see full size. **

To find out more about helping agencies such as the Center for Employment Training, the SkillSource Group, and other CrisisLink Community Partners, please call CrisisLink by dialing 2-1-1, 24 hours a day / 7 days a week.

Make a Difference: Donate. Volunteer. Participate.

CrisisLink--a 2-1-1 VIRGINIA Provider--Prepares for Winter Storm

2010-01-29T09:59:00.001-05:00

According to The National Weather Service, a winter storm watch is in effect from Friday evening, Jan.29th through Saturday, Jan. 30th.

During this predicted snow event, if you are seeking assistance for an elderly or disabled person during the storm, need information on warming shelters in your area or are concerned about an unsheltered individual or family at risk of hypothermia, please dial 2-1-1 or visit 211virginia.org.

When you dial 2-1-1, a trained professional will listen to your situation and suggest sources of help using one of the largest databases of health and human services in your community and statewide. All referrals are confidential and you can search for these same services on the 2-1-1 VIRGINIA web site.

CrisisLink is the 2-1-1 VIRGINIA provider for Northern Virginia. As part of the statewide 2-1-1 VIRGINIA system, CrisisLink is prepared to help residents from all parts of the state as needed.

Learn more about CrisisLink and 2-1-1 in Northern Virginia.

Make a Difference: Donate. Volunteer. Participate.