The Support Hotline 330-434-9144
In northern Summit County (Ohio), use our toll-free number, 1-888-434-8878.
The Support Hotline is a 24-hour / 7-day service providing crisis intervention and suicide prevention, and using supportive listening to help callers manage crisis. If you feel you have nowhere else to turn or no one you can talk to, the Support Hotline can help.
Hotline services are confidential and FREE.
The Portage Path Support Hotline is part of the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, a 24-hour, toll-free suicide prevention service available to anyone in suicidal crisis that routes callers to the closest possible crisis center in their area. With over 120 crisis centers across the country, their mission is to provide immediate assistance to anyone seeking mental health services. Calls are free and confidential. To access the Lifeline, call 1-800-273-8255.
Learn to spot the signs of suicide:
- Hopelessness
- Rage, uncontrolled anger, seeking revenge
- Acting reckless or engaging in risky activities,
seemingly without thinking
- Feeling trapped - like there's no way out
- Increased alcohol or drug use
- Withdrawing from friends, family and society
- Anxiety, agitation, unable to sleep or sleeping all the time
- Dramatic mood changes
- No reason for living; no sense of purpose in life
Here is an easy mnemonic to remember these
warning signs: IS PATH WARM?
I Ideation
S Substance Abuse
P Purposelessness
A Anxiety
T Trapped
H Hopelessness
W Withdrawal
A Anger
R Recklessness
M Mood Changes
- Be direct. Talk openly and matter-of-factly about suicide.
- Be willing to listen. Allow expressions of feelings. Accept the feelings.
- Be non-judgmental. Don't debate whether suicide is wrong, or whether feelings are
good or bad. Don't lecture on the value of life.
- Get involved. Become available. Show interest and support.
- Don't dare him or her to do it.
- Don't act shocked. This will put distance between you.
- Don't be sworn to secrecy. Seek support.
- Offer hope that alternatives are available, but do not offer glib reassurance.
- Take action. Remove means, such as guns or stockpiled pills.
- Get help from persons or agencies specializing in crisis intervention and suicide prevention.
Hotline History
1969 Hotline services created as SUPPORT, Inc., a collaboration between Inpost, Inc,
a walk-in counseling center operated by the Council of Churches, and the Mental
Health Association of Summit County.
1970 Inpost, Inc. ceases to operate. SUPPORT, Inc. moves to St. Paul's Episcopal Church,
and part-time assistants to the rector are hired as directors of SUPPORT.
1987 The State of Ohio declares that each county must have a mechanism in place for
screening clients who may need state inpatient care (psychiatric), to explore less-
restrictive alternatives before commitment. SUPPORT, Inc, is designated to administer
this mandate, and is granted funds to expand services to include emergency
psychiatric evaluation.
1988 SUPPORT, Inc. opens a Pre-Hospitalization Screening Unit at Akron General Medical
Center after previously operating for several months out of Fallsview State Hospital.
1988 Summit County mental health system is re-designed. Newly-created organization
called Community Support Services becomes responsible for SUPPORT, Inc.
SUPPORT services are split into Psychiatric Emergency Services, which handles
direct crisis treatment, and the Support Hotline, which takes crisis calls.
1992 Psychiatric Emergency Services and the Support Hotline become a part of
Portage Path Behavioral Health.
1996 Support Hotline wins the prestigious J.C. Penney Golden Rule Award.
2004 Support Hotline receives accreditation from the American Association of Suicidology.
