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LISBON – Those who struggle to cope with life’s hardships have found a friendly ear and help through the Help Network over the past 50 years.
Starting out as a hotline for a few hours at night for those with drug or alcohol addiction and need to talk about their issues, the Northeast Ohio Help Hotline has grown to employ over 50 people. These people are trained to listen, empathize, and understand what services can help someone get through the day or night – 365 days a year, 24 hours a day.
Around 130,000 calls are handled each year through the service. In addition, 800 clients receive services through 15 programs for the mentally ill and homeless. Those who need help finding food, shelter, managing their income, or dealing with drug addiction can find resources through the 211 program.
The network can provide assistance to victims of violent crimes such as domestic violence and rape. There is a program to help those who have lost a family member to suicide. There are also programs for people with intellectual disabilities or the elderly.
Vince Brancaccio, CEO of Help Network of Northeast Ohio, said their organization provides services to residents of four counties – Columbiana, Mahoning, Trumbull and Ashtabula. The Help Network also serves as a go-to site for the National Suicide Prevention Hotline, making sure someone is always there to answer the phone for someone in need.
“Our staff are trained in how to deal with people”, Brancaccio said, “How to empathize, develop a safety plan for them and pass it on to resources that can help them further.”
The Northeast Ohio Aid Network is a lifeline for those feeling hopeless, something even more people are feeling during this COVID-19 pandemic.
Despite the availability of such organizations, five people die from suicide every day in Ohio. Brancaccio points out that 1,800 families each year must pick up the pieces after losing a loved one to suicide.
Anyone in Columbiana considering suicide can join the Help Network by calling 330-424-7767. Those looking for other services can also dial 211.
While September was Suicide Awareness Month, the Northeast Ohio Aid Network is following this with a fundraiser in October asking people to contribute $ 5 to help break the suicide chain. More information on the services and how to donate can be found on the website www.helpnetworkneo.org.
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