The Support Hotline: 330-434-9144

In areas where the above number is a long-distance call, please use the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, 1-800-273-TALK (8255).

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. 

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

Ways to help someone who is threatening suicide:

• 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.