Letter: CONTACT Care Line helps those in need by phone, chat, text

Posted at 10:11 pm September 2, 2014
By Oak Ridge Today Letters 1 Comment

To the Editor:

Many articles in recent weeks have been reflecting on the suicide of Robin Williams and providing national help lines.

For over 40 years, right here in our community, CONTACT Care Line has provided a listening ear to those who are lonely, in crisis, having a bad day, or just need someone to talk to. CONTACT Care Line, serving the 865 area code and beyond, is a local nonprofit staffed by trained volunteers who are available to listen seven days a week, 365 days a year, from 8 a.m. to 11 p.m.

The number to call to reach a listening ear is (865) 584-4424. All calls are confidential.

CONTACT recently added a local chat service (CONTACTCareLineTN.org/chat) and a text service ((865) 407-2TXT) available Monday-Friday from 4 p.m. to 10 p.m. Chat/text specialists also take Suicide Prevention Line crisis chats from across Tennessee between 5 p.m. and 8 p.m. weekdays.

Volunteer telephone workers have the backup of professional support workers should they need additional help. To find out more about your local resources and options for supporting and volunteering with CONTACT, visit www.CONTACTCareLineTN.org or call (865) 312-7450.

Valerie Hansen

Member of Board of Directors

CONTACT Care Line

Oak Ridge

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