Didi Hirsch Mental Health Services Suicide Prevention Center Adds 24-7 Hotline Service and Support Services for Orange County Community

CULVER CITY, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--In conjunction with World Suicide Prevention Day, Didi Hirsch Mental Health Services announced that the organization’s Suicide Prevention Center will provide suicide prevention crisis hotline services and support services to the Orange County community. The multi-lingual service will be available to callers 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Services officially began on August 1.

“We are privileged to be able to provide this critical resource to residents of Orange County.”

Funded by a grant from the Mental Health Services Act through the Orange County Health Care Agency’s Prevention and Intervention Division, the toll-free number is 1-877-7CRISIS.

Dr. Kita Curry, President and CEO of Didi Hirsch, anticipates a dramatic increase in calls from the Orange County community as word about the crisis line gets out. “We know there is a great unmet need for education and awareness about depression, stress and other emotions that could lead to thoughts of suicide,” said Curry. “We are privileged to be able to provide this critical resource to residents of Orange County.”

The Suicide Prevention Center will also provide multi-lingual group and individual support for those who have lost a loved one to suicide, as well as outreach and training to the community.

Founded in 1958, Didi Hirsch’s Suicide Prevention Center was the first program in the nation to establish a 24-hour suicide prevention Crisis Line. The line serves callers from all over California, as well as nationwide, and is managed by staff and trained volunteers. Each year, over 36,000 callers reach out for help from the hotline.

With more than 60 years of experience, Didi Hirsch Mental Health Services provides mental health and substance abuse services in Southern California, regardless of ability to pay. Its ten sites serve more than 57,000 clients a year. The organization offers a wide range of services through four divisions -- Emergency Services, Adult Services, Family Services, and Substance Abuse Services. Please visit www.didihirschoc.org for more information.