Frederick County Hotline - (301) 662-2255
Frederick, MD

The Frederick County Hotline provides crisis intervention, suicide prevention, counseling, support, information and referrals to all citizens in Frederick County. As a primary intervention service, the Hotline is available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

The Frederick County Hotline meets the standards set forth for Statewide Hotline centers and is certified as a crisis center by the American Association of Suicidology.

Telephone Support

All telephone services are confidential and free of charge.

• Frederick County Hotline (301-662-2255) - 24-hour phone counseling for Frederick County citizens of all ages regarding a variety of issues including: loneliness, depression, suicide, abuse, relationships, family concerns and substance abuse.

• Suicide Prevention Hotline (1-800-SUICIDE or 1-800-784-2433)
  

• Maryland Crisis Hotline (1-800-422-0009) - 24-hour phone line that is toll free, providing information and referral and support and crisis intervention for people of Frederick, Washington, Allegany and Garrett counties. 
  

• Phone Friend (301-694-8255) - 24-hour phone line available for children who are home alone, facing an emergency or have a problem they would like to discuss.
  

• Telephone Reassurance Program (301-663-0011) - provides scheduled, outgoing calls to the elderly and/or homebound individuals to check on their well-being and to ensure they receive the services and assistance they need in their daily lives.
  

• Parent Stress Line (301-662-2255) - 24-hour phone line available for parents who need listening support, information and referral services.

• AIDS Hotline (1-800-638-6252) - Information and referrals, support, and crisis intervention regarding AIDS issues.

Volunteer and Internship Opportunities

The Hotline is looking for persons who are interested in helping others. Through a 36-hour training program, volunteers acquire skills in listening and communication, problem solving, crisis intervention, adolescent development, domestic violence and community networking. If you would like information about becoming a Hotline volunteer or arranging for an internship position, please call the Volunteer Coordinator Jenifer Dickson at 663-0011.

Community and Professional Trainings Offered

To schedule a presentation for your community group or agency, please call the Hotline Director Suzi Borg at 663-0011.

Topics offered:

• Signs, Symptoms and Treatment Options for Depression.

• Strategies for Suicide Prevention

• Enhancing Communication Skills

Materials are available on a variety of topics dealing with mental well being.  Contact the Hotline if you are interested in receiving publications.

SUICIDE

In Frederick city last year, 23 lives were lost to suicide. Most people live under the assumption that suicide will never affect their loved ones. Yet in the United States, more than 30,000 families must face the reality that their loved ones chose to die rather than continue living. Suicide is a terrible tragedy that results in unanswerable questions and tremendous pain for family and friends. It is often preceded by depression and other mental illnesses, which can be treated.

Suicide is a significant public health problem as the ninth leading cause of death.  Awareness of suicidal behaviors and taking action can prevent suicide. Taking action means talking about suicide and publicizing where to get help.

In 2004, the Frederick County Hotline received 10,207 calls, including 723 calls regarding suicide. 

Warning Signs of Suicide

• Significant changes in eating or sleeping habits

• Verbal threats to kill self

• Making a will; giving away prized possessions

• Purchasing a weapon/saving pills

• Withdrawing from family and friends; avoiding social events

• Feelings of worthlessness, hopelessness, helplessness

• Extreme mood swings

Have You Lost A Loved One To Suicide?

If you have lost a loved one to suicide, you are a suicide survivor.  It is common for suicide survivors to experience grief, guilt, anger, depression, forgetfulness and even thoughts of suicide themselves.   

Survivors of Suicide Support Group

This local group meets on the 2nd and 4th Tuesday of each month from 7pm to 8:30pm.  The group is free of charge and is led by a peer facilitator who has also experienced a suicide.  If you would like more information, please contact Suzi at 301-663-0011.

Helpful Resources:

The National Resource Center for Suicide Prevention and Aftercare (404)256-2919

SPEAK (Suicide Prevention Education & Awareness for Kids) (404)377-7711

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (800)273-TALK(8255)

National Hopeline (800)SUICIDE (784-2433)

www.suicidology.org

www.spanusa.org

www.yellowribbon.org

www.afsp.org

For more information on these subjects and others, call the Frederick County Hotline at

301-662-2255 or 1-800-422-0009.