Transitions-Mental Health Association (TMHA) has received an $8,000 grant from The Community Foundation San Luis Obispo County (CFSLOCO). This grant will be used toward SLO Hotline, an American Association of Suicidology accredited 24-hour, free and confidential call center serving the entire county of San Luis Obispo. The program is devoted to calls that are categorized as suicide prevention, mental health crisis management, mental health information, education and referral, and stigma reduction. SLO Hotline can be reached at 800-783-0607.
“We have seen a steady rise in call volume over the past three and half years, with a 36% increase in Mental Health calls, and a 19% increase in Suicide calls, said Mike Bossenberry, program coordinator of SLO Hotline. “There is an urgent need to expand SLO Hotline’s operations so that we can meet local demand.”
SLO Hotline’s current funding pays for approximately 7,350 call responses from salaried staff each year. However, current projections show that San Luis Obispo County is on track for approximately 10,000 calls this fiscal year.
The Direct Services Grant of $8,000 will be devoted towards the salaries of direct call response staff, to ensure that every one of our neighbors will find the timely response they need in a moment of crisis. “Our goal is to operate SLO Hotline 24 hours a day, 365 days a year,” stated Bossenberry.
Transitions-Mental Health Association was one of 30 recipients chosen by CFSLOCO, which made a total of $228,800 in grants to local nonprofits this year.
This year’s grant-making program is made possible through the generous support of the Foundation’s Community Endowment and many donor funds held at the Foundation. In only 16 years, the CFSLOCO has given out more than $28 million in grants to assist nonprofit agencies. For more information on the CFSLOCO or any funds, call (805) 543-2323 or long onto www.cfsloco.org.