April 24th, 2020- The Illinois Department of Human Services’ Mental Health Division has launched a free-of-charge emotional support text line, Call4Calm, for Illinois residents who are experiencing stress or mental health concerns related to COVID-19. Individuals who would like to speak to a mental health counselor can text “TALK” or “HABLAR” for Spanish.
Call4Calm is free to use, and individuals will remain anonymous. Once a resident sends a text to the hotline, within 24 hours they will receive a call from a counselor employed by a local community mental health center to provide support.
Individuals can also text 5-5-2-0-2-0 with keywords such as “unemployment,” “food,” or “shelter,” and will receive information on how to access local supports and services.
Heritage Behavioral Health Center is a Proud Partner of the Call4Calm Service. If you are experiencing excessive anxiety, fear, or panic and you are finding it difficult to cope, please reach out to a crisis worker at Heritage at (217) 362-6262 (and dial 1).
Additional national resources available to the community include: The National Crisis Text Line – 747741 and National Suicide Prevention Hotline – 1-800-273-TALK (8255) are also available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
