BRIEF: Idaho Suicide Prevention Hotline needs more volunteers because of high call volume

April 02--The Idaho Suicide Prevention Hotline (1-800-273-TALK) had its highest-ever call volume, 1,100 calls, during the first quarter of 2015. The group -- a program of Jannus Inc. -- has put out a call for volunteer phone responders to cover all shifts, especially evenings and weekends.

The ISPH team trains volunteers -- laypersons or professionals in the Boise area -- to become crisis phone workers. The next training class begins April 25 and ends May 21.

Volunteer phone responders receive more than 40+ hours of training and apprenticeship and commit to one 4 1/2-hour hotline shift per week for one year.

The organization also needs retired mental health professionals to serve as volunteer phone room supervisors.

Information sessions to learn more about volunteering at ISPH will be held from 6 to 7:30 p.m. at the Mountain States Group offices, 1607 W. Jefferson St. in Boise on April 6 and April 13.

To learn more call Nina Leary at 258-6992, write her at nleary@mtnstatesgroup.org or visit the ISPH website.

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