988 Crisis Line

 The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) is the agency within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services that leads public health efforts to advance the behavioral health of the nation. The main goal of SAMHSA is to make sure that people with, or affected by, or at risk for mental health and substance use conditions receive care, thrive and achieve well-being. I believe they have one of the most comprehensive websites for mental health care and drug abuse care that I have ever explored. I hope you will take a look at their website (SAMHSA.gov)  and look at everything they have to offer. This may be a help to you or someone you know that is struggling with mental health issues or drug abuse issues.

If you or someone you know is struggling in a crisis, help is available. Call or text 988 or chat at 988lifeline.org. 

988 is beginning to show up all around the country. You will see it on bumper stickers, television ads and on college football player shirts and hats. I believe even the Iowa police cars have it displayed on the side of the vehicle. It is so important to get this message out. There isn't any reason for someone not to reach out for help when they are feeling down and depressed. Please reach out to someone you know or stop in and see someone in student services. As I mentioned in a previous blog, the holidays can be a stressful time and it can be easy for people to get lonely and depressed. Don't suffer alone. 

In closing, my wish is that everyone in Vantage would see this blog and pass the information on to others. If you need the help, than I hope you will take the time to call 988. If you know someone that could use the help, please make them aware of the 988 number and the SAMHSA website. My heart breaks to see our students hurting and not reaching out to anyone or feeling like they don't have anyone to talk with. Once again, please stop in to student services if you ever need to talk. If it is after school hours, please call 988. All of you are part of the Vantage family and like any family, we care about everyone of you.