April 27, 2026
THANK YOU to Crisis Counselor Clare Redden of 988 Lifeline for presenting tremendously important information to students as part of the High School’s Mental Health Awareness Club’s “Two Weeks of Wellness" events last week.
It was a very powerful discussion and participants learned a lot. The biggest takeaway is that 988 Lifeline wants people to CALL if they’re in crisis. Crisis counselors are compassionate individuals who care about you!
Important reminders:
1. Anyone can call/text/chat no matter the reason. If you need a friend, they are there for you! They want to hear about your day! It does not need to be a crisis.
2. You can call them to talk about someone else that you are concerned about.
3. Crisis counselors completed a three month training which included taking calls with a mentor before being able to answer calls on their own.
4. Crisis counselors are based at the Orange County 911 Center in Goshen along with the 911 and 311 dispatchers. They all work closely together to ensure that the calls that come in are directed appropriately based on the needs.
5. They have a dress code and must wear black to keep distractions at a minimum.
Ms. Redden discussed how important it is for students to have a Safety Plan. At the club’s upcoming meeting this week, members will be doing this. Be sure you have a Safety Plan, too!
It was a very powerful discussion and participants learned a lot. The biggest takeaway is that 988 Lifeline wants people to CALL if they’re in crisis. Crisis counselors are compassionate individuals who care about you!
Important reminders:
1. Anyone can call/text/chat no matter the reason. If you need a friend, they are there for you! They want to hear about your day! It does not need to be a crisis.
2. You can call them to talk about someone else that you are concerned about.
3. Crisis counselors completed a three month training which included taking calls with a mentor before being able to answer calls on their own.
4. Crisis counselors are based at the Orange County 911 Center in Goshen along with the 911 and 311 dispatchers. They all work closely together to ensure that the calls that come in are directed appropriately based on the needs.
5. They have a dress code and must wear black to keep distractions at a minimum.
Ms. Redden discussed how important it is for students to have a Safety Plan. At the club’s upcoming meeting this week, members will be doing this. Be sure you have a Safety Plan, too!