WESTFIELD, NJ — Caring Contact has announced that it has been awarded a $15,000 grant from The Provident Bank Foundation to support building hotline capacity for the launch of “988” in 2022.
Caring Contact was selected to receive the grant based on the current increase in crisis line call volume and the Federal approval of the 3-digit 988 crisis line. Since mid-March 2020, Caring Contact has seen a significant increase in calls, in part as a result of the coronavirus emergency. Through August 31, the agency has answered 16% more calls in 2020 than in 2019 and are on track to answer over 15,000 calls by the end of December.
Additionally, the change from 10-digit National Suicide Prevention Lifeline number to a 3-digit number, like 911, will greatly increase the volume of calls to the agency. The Provident Bank Foundation Grant will assist Caring Contact’s efforts to continue responding to the increase in calls by supporting their strategy to add Listener capacity through increased and more accessible training and to prepare for the launching of 988 in 2022.
“Answering more calls will result in increased connection to individuals experiencing mental health crises,” states Caring Contact’s Executive Director Janet Sarkos. “This increased connection means fewer suicide attempts, a healthier population and fewer people ending up in the already strained health system as a result of a suicide attempt or an unchecked mental health crisis. We are honored to have the support of The Provident Bank Foundation as we support those currently in crisis and prepare for 988.”
“We are pleased to help further valuable initiatives put forth by local organizations who are working every day to strengthen the lives of residents in our communities,” said Samantha Plotino, Executive Director, The Provident Bank Foundation. “We will continue to provide support to these important organizations that have identified an immediate need in the community and for the individuals they serve.”
Caring Contact is a local, award-winning, volunteer-staffed crisis hotline and listening community serving central and northern New Jersey. As a member agency of the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline and the International Council for Helplines, Caring Contact compassionately serves those in emotional distress and educates local communities about the power of personal connection. In 2019, hotline volunteers responded to nearly 13,500 calls through the caring and crisis line. For more information, please visit www.caringcontact.org. If you, or someone you know, is in crisis, please call 800-273-8255.
About The Provident Bank Foundation
The Provident Bank Foundation was established in 2003 by Provident Bank to enhance the quality of life in the region through support of not-for-profit groups, institutions, schools and other 501(c)(3) organizations that provide services in communities served by the Bank. Since inception, the Foundation has granted more than $26 million to not-for-profit organizations and institutions working toward stronger communities. For more information, visit www.theprovidentbankfoundation.org or call (862) 260-3990.
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