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Library Director, Jennifer Baxter, talks with Steven Bates, founder of Poemspeak – a non-profit organization using poetry to reach people suffering with PTSD or suicidal thoughts. Hear Steven’s personal story as a suicide attempt survivor and how his poetry has touched those living with life-threatening depression. He also reads some of his award- winning poems.


https://www.poemspeak.org/
https://www.facebook.com/StevenBatesMusings/
https://www.crisistextline.org/
https://gracefor2brothers.org/
https://www.alcpl.org/

 On July 16, 2020, the FCC adopted rules to establish 988 as the new, nationwide, easy-to-remember 3-digit phone number for Americans in crisis to connect with suicide prevention and mental health crisis counselors. The rules require phone service providers to direct all 988 calls to the existing National Suicide Prevention Lifeline by July 16, 2022. During the transition to 988, Americans who need help should continue to contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline by calling 1-800-273-8255 (1-800-273-TALK) and through online chats. Veterans and Service members may reach the Veterans Crisis Line by pressing 1 after dialing, chatting online at www.veteranscrisisline.net, or texting 838255. 

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