Suicide Prevention and Crisis Services
Volunteers are chosen for their sensitivity, maturity, and communication skills. No previous experience in required. Approximately 60 hours of professional training is provided in crisis intervention and communication skills. Ongoing training is provided regularly. Volunteers are asked to contribute a minimum of 200 hours over a one year time period.
If you wish to become a crisis line volunteer, please call our business office at (916) 368-3110 for the latest training information. You can also submit a volunteer application online at http://www.theeffort.org/volunteers.htm and choosing Crisis Line Volunteer as the opportunity of interest to you.
The Effort operates the regionÂ’s Suicide Prevention Crisis Line. Nationally accredited, recognized by the California State Office of Suicide Prevention, and a vital member of the National Helpline network, the hotline serves Sacramento County as well as 36 counties in Northern California. We answer calls 24 hours a day, 365 days a year from those living within the 916, 209, 530, and 707 area codes.
The Suicide Prevention Crisis Line receives calls from people of all ages who are experiencing depression, hopelessness, alone, desperate, and sometimes considering suicide as a solution to their pain. We also receive calls that involve emergency rescue, such as a suicide in progress, or someone on the Foresthill Bridge.
A person does not have to be suicidal to talk with one of our counselors. Many of our callers are third parties who are concerned about a friend or loved one who is suicidal. We are here to listen and understand, and to offer information and resources as needed. The Crisis Lines are staffed by extensively trained, carefully selected volunteers who not only understand how a suicidal person reaches such despair, but also help the individual choose life.
