Too many people die from suicide in Portland.  It is the ninth highest cause of death in Oregon.  And both people experiencing mental illnesses, and police officers responding to 9-1-1 calls, are endangered when police act as first responders in situations involving people in mental health crisis.

One effective solution to these problems: Make it easy for people feeling suicidal, and/or people worried about them, to talk with mental health care specialists 24/7/365. 

Feeling suicidal? Don't call 9-1-1.  Call 503 - 97 - 23456. 

On Wednesday, the Portland City Council unanimously passed a Resolution establishing enhanced service by Lines for Life (formerly Oregon Partnership).  Working with Mayor Adams and Lines for Life leader Judy Cushing, I led the agreement to fund and publicize the great work of this non-profit, and the new number.  They take more than 19,000 calls per year, with 98% resolved by talking on the phone without the need to dispatch public safety officers.  They provide follow-up care, calling back after a few hours to check on progress, then sending postcards regularly to give ongoing support.  And they are suicide prevention experts. 

The City's more care-ful approach also includes posting new signs on bridges that are often locations for people jumping to suicide.  The one shown at the Council hearing (see this article in The Skanner) states, "We can help you cross this bridge" then gives the Lines for Life numbers.  The national Suicide Prevention Hotline number still works in Portland, too - that is 800-SUICIDE.  We are establishing the 503-97-23456 phone line with memorable numbers, in addition, to give people good choices.

Lines for Life also staffs the Military Help Line, and a teen peer counseling program.  Family or friends concerned about loved ones who seem to be going through a rough time are also welcome to call.  All these services are also accessed by calling 503 -97 - 23456.

Please pass this message along to everyone you know.  Approximately 20% of Americans experience mental illness at some point in our lives, so someone you know may need to know this number now or in the future.

Feeling suicidal? Don't call 9-1-1.  Call 503 - 97 - 23456. 

For more information

Blog: http://www.portlandonline.com/mayor/index.cfm?c=52750&a=411767 or http://bit.ly/SagiD9

Youtube: http://youtu.be/nzI6cqM41pk

Vimeo: https://vimeo.com/49807715

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PortlandMayorSamAdams/posts/209464605851021

Tweet: http://bit.ly/S82XGU