Crisis and Emergency

You, or someone you care about, can always contact 211 when you don’t know where to turn but are experiencing a crisis or are worried about someone who might be. While not all 211s are official suicide or domestic violence hotlines, we can quickly and empathetically help someone in need reach an expert or assistance safely, including local domestic violence shelters, sexual assault victims assistance services, mental health or substance use treatment options. 

You can also call the appropriate hotline for specific assistance: 

• National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-8255 to speak to someone if you or a loved one is considering harming themselves or experiencing emotional distress. 

• National Human Trafficking Hotline: 1-888-373-7888  if you or someone you care about has been brought to the United States against their will or is being held against their will. 

• National Sexual Assault Hotline: 1-800-656-4673 if you or someone you care about has experienced sexual assault or harassment and needs support, assistance, and advice. 

• National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-7233 if you or someone you care about has or is experiencing domestic or relationship-based violence and needs support, advice, and connections to a safe place. 

 

How many calls does 211 receive from people in crisis each year?

In 2018, 211s in the U.S. reported handling:

• 945,000 requests for help related to mental health and substance use 
  • 150,000 requests for help related to suicide or emotional distress 
  • 27,000 requests for help with opioid use 
• 75,000 calls for help with domestic or relationship-based violence 

 

Does 211 work with other national hotlines?

Yes! In fact, more than 30 211 providers also answer calls for the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline. Many 211s also answer state hotlines for mental health, gambling, and addiction support, so whether you dial the hotline number or just 211, you will reach someone who can help.

 

What are some examples of the crisis services 211 provides?

Here are a few examples of 211 agencies that both answer national hotlines and also have specialized state and local programs:

• Call2Talk, a program of Mass211 in Massachusetts
• Vialink, the organization that provides 211 services in New Orleans, LA also operates statewide crisis hotlines and programs like the Teen Crisis Text Line.
• Connecticut 211, operated by the United Way of Connecticut, partners with local agencies to provide Mobile Crisis Intervention Services as an alternative to law enforcement.
• Heartline Oklahoma, the organization that provides 211 services for western Oklahoma, also supports people through its Lifeline Crisis Chat and Youth Crisis Response programs.
• 211s in Wisconsin, Maine, New Hampshire, Florida, Rhode Island, and many more states provide addiction support and resource information to those struggling with or impacted by opioid use. 
• Crisis Center of Tampa Bay, which provides 211 servives for Hillsborough County, FL, also provides phone, text, and in-person support for victims of sexual assault and harassment, including victim advocacy and medical exams.

 

How can I partner with my local 211 or request my services be included in their database?

Thank you for wanting to work with us to support people in crisis in your community. Please use the search bar at the top of this page to find the 211 that serves your area and contact them directly via the information provided to discuss partnership and/or database inclusion.

If you are interested in discussion national funding or partnership opportunities, read more about how we partner nationally here. 

 

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211 conversations are confidential, can be made anonymously, and callers can request translations services for 180 languages. 211 is available to anyone regardless of race, color, religion, language, sex (including pregnancy and gender identity), national origin, immigration status, political affiliation, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, genetic information, age, membership in an employee organization, parental status, military service, or other factor.