Networking, Certifying, and Training Suicide Prevention Hotlines and Disaster Distress Helpline (Lifeline/DDH)

The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), Center for Mental Health Services (CMHS), is accepting applications for fiscal year (FY) 2018 Cooperative Agreement for Networking, Certifying, and Training Suicide Prevention Hotlines and the Disaster Distress Helpline. The purpose is to: (1) manage, enhance, and strengthen the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (Lifeline) that routes individuals in the United States to a network of certified crisis centers that links to local emergency, mental health, and social services resources; and (2) support the National Disaster Distress Helpline (DDH) to assist residents in the United States and its territories who are experiencing emotional distress resulting from disasters and traumatic events. It is expected that this program will increase service capacity and improve behavioral health outcomes by preventing death or injury as a result of suicide and suicide attempts and assisting individuals and communities recover from disasters and traumatic events by providing community-based behavioral health outreach, referral to and engagement with treatment as necessary, and psycho-educational services. The Lifeline is a 24/7 confidential suicide prevention hotline and chat network for anyone in the United States experiencing a suicidal crisis or emotional distress. Callers can call a single toll-free number (1-800-273-TALK) to be routed to the closest certified crisis center within the Lifeline network. The DDH is a confidential 24/7 crisis support service that connects anyone in the United States experiencing distress as a result of a disaster and/or traumatic event with a crisis center responder through a sub-network of the Lifeline crisis centers. Callers can call a single number (800-9885-5990) or text (TalkWithUs to 66746). Counselors provide crisis counseling support, information on available resources, and referrals to local services and supports based on the caller’s needs and geographical location.