Lifeline – Dialing in to Stop Suicide

VTDigger is well positioned to work with Vermont Care Partners to promote the much needed services of its sixteen respective member agencies which, includes NCSS. They also understand how important it is for our elected officials to know how to support the needs of vulnerable Vermonters.

This thirteen week series is a collaboration produced by members of the Vermont Care Partners statewide network of sixteen non-profit, community-based agencies providing mental health, substance use and intellectual and developmental disability support.

Below is the second installment of the series from Northeast Kingdom Human Services (NKHS) that focuses on The Lifeline, a national crisis support provided by the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline.  Initially, during 2019, NCSS served as the first and only certified call center in Vermont.  NKHS became a certified provider in June 2021 covering primarily overnights and weekends.  Quotes from Tony Stevens appear throughout the article.   

Lifeline – Dialing in to Stop Suicide

Excerpts from article

Northwestern Counseling & Support Services (NCSS) and Northeast Kingdom Human Services (NKHS) are two certified crisis centers offering 24/7, local support to Vermonters who are actively suicidal or experiencing a mental health crisis.

NCSS began answering the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline in August of 2019.  At that time NCSS was the only certified call center in Vermont.  Prior to that all Vermonters calling into the Lifeline would have their calls routed to Headrest in New Hampshire as that was the closest possible Lifeline answering center.  By adding an in-state option, answer rates within VT went from zero to well over 70% instantly. NKHS joined NCSS as the second certified crisis center in Vermont. 

Anthony Stevens, NCSS’ Emergency Services Director, is glad to be partnering with NKHS. “When NKHS came on board as VT’s second certified Lifeline answering center, Vermont then had 24/7 coverage of Vermonter’s calls being answered in state, by local clinicians with an increased knowledge of Vermont’s unique culture and resources.  NCSS’ partnership with NKHS has been a wonderful addition to the safety net that serves all Vermonters struggling with suicidal thoughts or in emotional distress.”