Lack Of Funding Could Close Minnesota Crisis Hotline
The Minnesota Crisis Hotline could start to close if funding isn't found. It could start to shut down as early as next month.
According to the Associated Press, the Crisis Hotline could start to close as early as next month if there isn't more funding. In the past, contracts and fundraisers have helped keep the hotline open.
Crisis Connection is the only center in Minnesota that takes calls from the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline. Manager Laura Weber says the center in Richfield will have to start closing its lines and shutting down on May 21 if it can't find any funding. Right now, the line is operated by Oakdale-based Canvas Health.
The center needs about $970,000 annually to operate, according to Weber. The crisis line links callers to local psychiatrists and counselors as well as first-responders and emergency rooms.