One in five adults struggle with mental health challenges every year.
California has officially launched its first statewide mental health line in San Fransisco; the service was made possible because of a state budget allocation of $10.8 million over three years.
The California Peer-Run Warm Line is a toll-free non-emergency emotional support and will be staffed daily. It’s a source for anyone in the state who needs relief or mental health help as well as those who would like to make a well-being referral. Over 43.8 million people in the U.S. experience mental health challenges per year.
The executive director of the Mental Health Association of San Francisco, Mark Salazar, says that “the line is not a crisis line or hotline.” Often times people are in danger of reaching crisis point due to a lack of ongoing support. The ‘warm” line aims to provide people with support before they reach a crisis.
The call center is able to assist, via phone or text, Monday through Friday from 7a-11p, Saturdays from 7a- 3p, and Sunday from 7a – 9a. Salazar says the call center plans to launch a 24/7 service by the end of the year.