March 7, 2022 (St. Louis, MO) –– Provident Behavioral Health today announced that it has been named a National Backup Center for the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline. The $974,000 annual contract is funded by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMSHA) and is administered by Vibrant Emotional Health.
The agency is hiring up to 40 Crisis Intervention Specialists to handle the increased call volume.
“Provident staffs one of the oldest suicide prevention hotlines in the country. We have a best-in-class program, with the experience and knowledge required to help people through their most difficult moments,” said Provident President and Executive Director Kevin Drollinger.
The Lifeline will be staffed by Provident’s Crisis Services team, which provides suicide prevention and crisis intervention services 24 hours a day. Crisis Intervention Specialists complete over 80 hours of suicide prevention training before working on the lines. They answered 61,181 hotline calls in 2021, which equates to providing life-saving service to 168 people each day (almost seven per hour.)
Hiring new workers now will help Provident prepare for expected increases increased in call volume during the summer of 2022 when the national 988 Lifeline number begins taking calls. The agency was named the backup call center for Missouri in January 2022.
“Suicide rates have risen 33% in the last decade in the United States and are at the highest level since World War II,” said Drollinger. “Our team of front-line crisis workers are ready to do their part to save lives.”
In addition to this contract, Provident’s Crisis Services team answers calls on its own crisis line as well as the National Disaster Distress Helpline, the 1-888-BETSOFF Problem Gambling Hotline, Safe Connections Hotline for victims of domestic and sexual violence, the Heart to Heart Caring Voices grief support line, and monitors the Feeling Kinda Blue social media site.
About Provident Behavioral Health
Serving the St. Louis area since 1860, Provident Behavioral Health is an accredited, nonprofit, United Way member agency that builds brighter futures through exceptional behavioral health services, especially for those with the greatest need. They provide crisis intervention services, counseling for individuals and groups, psychiatric services, and Afterschool programming. They partner with Mary Ryder Home to provide a safe place for low-income, older adult women with behavioral health needs. Visit providentstl.org for more information.
About the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline
Funded by the U.S. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) and administered by Vibrant Emotional Health, the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is a leader in suicide prevention and mental health crisis care. The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline provides free and confidential emotional support and crisis counseling to people in suicidal crisis or emotional distress 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, across the United States. The Lifeline is comprised of a national network of over 180 local crisis centers, uniting local resources with national best practices. Since its inception in 2005, the Lifeline has engaged in innovative public messaging, development of best practices in mental health, creative partnerships, and more to improve crisis services and advance suicide prevention for all. suicidepreventionlifeline.org
About Vibrant Emotional Health
Vibrant Emotional Health is a non-profit organization that helps individuals and families achieve emotional wellbeing. For over 50 years, our groundbreaking solutions have delivered high-quality services and support, when, where and how people need it. We offer confidential emotional support through our state-of-the-art contact center and crisis hotline services that use leading edge telephone, text and web-based technologies and include the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, NFL Life Line and NYC Well. Through our community wellness programs individuals and families obtain supports and skills they need to thrive. Our advocacy and education initiatives promote mental wellbeing as a social responsibility. Each year we help more than 2.5 million people live healthier and more vibrant lives. We’re advancing access, dignity and respect for all and revolutionizing the system for good. Visit vibrant.org. And follow Vibrant on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.
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