As a member of the Committee on Mental Health, Disabilities, and Addictions, promoting wellness and positive mental health has been one of Council Member Vickie Paladino’s top priorities. In 2020, the U.S. had one death by suicide every 11 minutes. This has become a chilling reality.

On July 16th, the National 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline went live with the support of the United States Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. 988 lifeline connects individuals experiencing mental health-related distress (including addiction) to a network of over 200 local and state centers. The caller will be connected to live support that will be able to identify the caller’s needs and provide services accordingly. Translation will be available in English and Spanish. Other network providers offer translations of other languages. Please note, this hotline also links to the Veterans Crisis Line.

In addition, the Samaritans of New York’s suicide prevention center is seeking caring, motivated, and responsible New Yorkers to become hotline volunteers.

Volunteer on NYC’s only completely confidential 24-hour crisis hotline. Samaritans is part of the world’s largest humanitarian network devoted to helping people when they need it the most. You’ll be joining a group of remarkable, motivated & caring New Yorkers who don’t just talk about making a difference. Samaritans hotline volunteers say their experience changed their lives. Perhaps it will change yours! Go to: https://bit.ly/32b26Y5 for more information and how to apply.