Suicide Prevention & Crisis Hotline Volunteers Needed
Increase in New Callers to 988 Means More Volunteer Counselors are Vital Next Training Session begins Sept. 20. Apply Today.

Novato, CA – Buckelew Programs, the North Bay’s largest nonprofit provider of comprehensive mental health care services, announced it is seeking volunteers to help answer calls to the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.

Buckelew operates one of 13 California call centers in the national 988 network, which launched mid-July. Like other call centers around the country, Buckelew is experiencing an increase in new callers during the roll-out of this new easy-to-remember dialing code. Following the pandemic and social injustice events in our communities, Buckelew anticipates more people will call 988 as they experience delayed trauma responses.

988 is more than just an easy-to-remembernumber –it is a direct connection to compassionate, accessible care and support for anyone experiencing mental health distress.

988 volunteers receive free and extensive 40-hour training and will gain a wide range of skills to support individuals and families in their greatest moments of need. The next training session begins Sept. 20 via remote learning. Additional training sessions will be offered monthly, based on interest and enrollment.

Volunteers must be 18 or older and commit to at least one four-hour shift per week for a year. Apply at bit.ly/988volunteer. For more information, email hotline@buckelew.org or call (415) 720-1167.

Buckelew’s’ nationally accredited suicide prevention hotline has operated continuously for over 50 years, previously under a 1-800 number. Over five decades, the 24/7 hotline staff and volunteers provided intervention to more than 300,000 people experiencing a mental health crisis. The free resource is available to anyone experiencing any level of need.

September is National Suicide Prevention Awareness Month. Please help us spread the word.