When we see someone experiencing a mental health, drug or alcohol related crisis in public, we want to help and often hear from residents and local businesses asking us who they can call.
With summer and World Cup kicking off this week, we wanted to share some tips for locals to know from a training hosted earlier this month by the Department of Community and Human Services’ Dr. Matt Goldman and Kelly Tongg, LICSW.
Tips to help someone in a crisis:
Anyone can call or text 988 to help themselves or to help someone else. A local crisis counselor from Crisis Connections will offer immediate support over the phone, assess the situation, determine the appropriate response and send help if needed and requested.
Put your safety first
Keep a safe distance. Do not physically intervene.
If you feel unsafe or the person becomes more agitated, move away.