This FB account is not monitored daily. Community support services offered by the Alachua County Crisis Center:
Crisis Line:
The Crisis Line is a 24-hour telephone crisis intervention and counseling service offered by trained volunteers under the supervision of the Crisis Center Staff. These volunteers have successfully completed a rigorous 60 hour training program followed by a 1-3 month probationary period. Phone counselors are always available to listen to problems and participate in their solution. Care Team:
The Care Team is an emergency mobile outreach team composed of experienced, carefully selected volunteers who respond to people in crisis. The team is dispatched at the request of law enforcement, mental health providers or concerned family and friends whenever face-to-face contact is essential. Traumatic deaths, death notifications, suicidal individuals or highly disturbed persons are the most common situations where a Care Team response is indicated. During after-hour shifts, the Care Team is also responsible for the Center and the supervision of crisis line workers. Crisis Counseling:
In order to compliment our phone and emergency outreach systems, the Center offers appointment and walk-in counseling services during day time hours (8:30 a.m.-5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday). This short term counseling service allows continued contact for individuals in crisis and attempts to offer prevention of further emotional distress to individuals, couples and families using this service. These services are staffed by graduate level practicum and intern students, adjunct (unpaid) counselors who are often post master's level individuals seeking experience toward licensure in a mental health area and the clinical staff of the center. To make an appointment, call the Crisis Line (264-6789) or Business Line (264-6785) anytime. Community Trauma Response:
In recent years, our community has experienced numerous traumatic events (multiple homicides, industrial accidents, vehicular tragedies, etc.) that have impacted entire segments of our population. In response, the Alachua County Crisis Center has coordinated and/or participated in community wide debriefings, group crisis counseling sessions, and education programs.
311 Critical Information Line
First activated in 1990 after the student murders, "Rumor Control" has consistently offered a 24 hour/day number to anyone seeking information or assistance during times of community trauma. Over the years, Rumor Control (now 311) has been activated for wildfires, storm threats, toxic spills, September 11th, and miscellaneous threatening rumors encountered by our schools or community. The Center's Rumor Control is available 24 hrs/day to respond to concerns arising from any type of actual or potential tragedy or disaster that might impact our Community. During Hurricane Season 2004, 45,000 calls were received from concerned and distressed citizens. At peak times, Crisis line counselors handled over 500 calls per hour. Working with other local organizations and agencies (law enforcement, Emergency Management, the Alachua County School Board, the University of Florida, etc.) the Center's 311 Critical Information is able to convey up to date information and resources pertinent to citizens impacted by community traumas as well as immediate crisis intervention services. In the event of a declared local emergency, or at the discretion of the County Manager, 311 will be activated as an easy to remember pathway to the hotline. Citizens will be able to dial 311 to get up to the minute reports, updates, give damage reports, and seek assistance for non-life threatening requests. Survivors of Suicide:
The Crisis Center has responded to a growing need for service to "Survivors of Suicide," those individuals who have been impacted by the suicide death of a loved-one. Services include a monthly "SOS" group, individual counseling and a survivor's newsletter, "Solace," which is no longer ins print but archived editions are available online. The Survivors of Suicide Support Group meets the second Wednesday of each month from 7:15 - 9:15 p.m. at the Alachua County Crisis Center. Services are delivered by professional staff, volunteers and a number of survivors. All persons who have been touched by suicide are invited to attend support group meetings as little or as often as they wish. Community Education:
The Center's commitment to the community extends beyond its direct service to individuals in need. Each year the Center also conducts workshops, lectures, consultation and other educational programs to churches, schools, hospitals, businesses and civic organizations. This service includes interviews for term papers, presentations to professional groups, as well as frequent interviews in the news media to disseminate information to the public. Presentations can be arranged by calling our business line at 264-6785. National Suicide Hotlines:
Since 2002, the Center has been involved in two national suicide hotlines that allow individuals anywhere in the United States to call 1-800 numbers and be connected with the nearest certified crisis intervention center. Residents of Alachua County and our neighboring counties are able to access our suicide intervention services through these toll-free numbers. Spanish speaking clients can contact 1-877-SUICIDA. These lines ring to Miami Switchboard, Covenant House of NY and the Crisis Intervention of Houston who provide service to the Spanish speaking community.
