Alaska Responders Relief Line

 

The Department is pleased to announce the First responder crisis call line, AK Responders Relief Line, went LIVE May 5. The call line functions as a crisis counseling and general support line for healthcare and behavioral professionals impacted by COVID personally and professionally.  Staff supporting the call line recognize callers are often first responders and the service is designed to allows callers to openly express their experiences and feelings serving Alaskans impacted by COVID. The call line is specifically designed to support first responders experiencing a myriad of behavioral health issues including crisis, anxiety, isolation and depression.  When callers engage the anonymous call line, available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, they will be greeted by a trained professional providing empathetic and nonjudgmental support.  When requested, staff supporting the call line will provide a warm handoff to a local Alaska behavioral health professional for ongoing support.  All staff supporting the call line are trained in assessing for suicide risk.

 

The crisis call line is also available to immediate family members of first responders who may need help for a variety of behavioral health issues, and hard to label emotions, as a result of their loved one engaging on the front lines.

 

 

 

 

**DBH will begin sending non-emergent updates on Friday afternoon as a means to help alleviate the volume of emails you receive.

 

Please sign up for the DBH Communication and other lists of interest at Alaska Department of Health and Social Services Email or Text Update.