Statewide Community Resources

Useful Handouts

The following documents are examples of how to compile both State and Local resources into a convenient handout for Community Members. They can also be used as point of reference for Officers during calls for services. For more information on how to create your own Resource Card or template please contact Meagan Scully at mscully@police.somerville.ma.us.

• Numbers to Know

• Resource Card - Template

24/7 Support Lines

• 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline is available 24/7 English and Spanish phone or text: 988 or 1-800-273-8255

• Veterans Crisis Line for Veterans in crisis and their families and friends, including Veterans not registered with the VA. Dial 988 or 800.273.8255 and Press 1 to talk to someone, or text 838255

• SMART Recovery

• Massachusetts 211 hotline with real-time COVID-19 information, resources, and referrals in multiple languages. Dial 211, Callers press 2-6 for coronavirus. Residents can also reach 2-1-1 through a live chat option on the Massachusetts 2-1-1 website.

Massachusetts behavioral health help line

The Massachusetts Behavioral Health Line is a free confidential resource provided by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts that connects residents to a wide range of treatment services for mental health and substance use. The Help Line is staffed by clinicians and certified peer specialists who are available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Call or Text 833-773-2445 for yourself or a loved one.

To learn more visit their website or check out their Frequently Asked Questions below.

FAQs

Community Behavioral Health Centers

With approximately 25 Community Behavioral Health Centers (CBHCs), this statewide network provides expanded access to behavioral health evaluation and treatment for Massachusetts residents of all ages. This includes 24/7 mobile crisis services for mental health emergencies as well as individual and group therapy appointments, behavioral health urgent care and more. See below for a list of services provided and hours of operation. To search for your nearest CBHC by zip code, click here.

Services

CBHCs provide the following services, in person and via telehealth:

• Same-day evaluation and access to treatment, with timely follow-up appointments

• Evening and weekend hours

• Behavioral health urgent care

• Evidence-based treatment for mental health conditions and substance use disorders, including clinical services and peer support services

• 24/7 community-based locations for crisis intervention, and mobile crisis teams

• Crisis stabilization beds

national alliance on mental illness (nami) - mASSACHUSETTS CHAPTER

NAMI is an advocacy group representing people who are affected by Mental Illness across the country. The Compass line is operated by peers and family members who have dealth with mental health first hand. They are available to answer questions and provide references to additional supports. They can be reached Monday through Friday 10 AM - 6 PM at 617-704-6264 or 1-800-370-9085. Leave a message with your name, telephone number, and why you called. Someone will get back to you as soon as possible.

Local Outreach to Suicide Survivors (L.O.S.S)

The Local Outreach to Suicide Survivors (L.O.S.S) is a community of loss survivors who learn from and support one another. Trained volunteers, all of whom who are survivors provide resources and understanding to the newly bereaved. LOSS offers support groups, remembrance events, companioning, suicide postvention and prevention education and training to communities interested in developing or enhancing their suicide prevention efforts. Call: 614-530-8064

SAFE SPOT

The number one risk factor for fatal overdose is using alone. Staff at the Safe Spot connect people who are using drugs with a trained operator who can call for help in case of an overdose. They are committed to safety and confidentiality and provide this service to anyone who is at risk of overdosing. Volunteer operators will ask you for your exact location and the phone number you are calling from before you use. If during the course of the call you stop responding, they will get you help either through a predetermined responder or by notifying your local Emergency Medical Services. This is a 24/7 service: 1-800-972-0590

How to use an overdose prevention helpline

*This is not a recovery or treatment helpline

Hey Sam!

Hey Sam is a free dedicated peer-to-peer texting service for people up to 24 years old. Designed for and staffed by young people this free and confidential service is nonjudgmental and available to all. Text: 439-726 | Hours: 9AM-12AM (Midnight) ET

How it Works

1. Text Hey Sam at 439-726 when you need to talk.

2. You will get an automated response right away while they connect you with one of their trained team members.

3. They will ask for your name and why you are reaching out, but only share what you are comfortable sharing.

4. Their team member will listen to you. They will not give advice or try to “fix” anything. They simply want to support you in whatever you are experiencing.

The U.S Department of Veterans Affairs (VA)

Established in1989, the VA’s office is committed to providing care for those who have served, their families ,caregivers, and survivors. With the largest integrated healthcare network in the US, the VA provides lifelong medical services to eligible veterans. They also help service members transition out of military service, and assist with education, home loans, life insurance and much more. Be sure to visit their website for more information: https://department.va.gov/

To find your local office click here: Find VA Locations

Statewide Advocacy for Veterans’ Empowerment Program (S.A.V.E)

S.A.V.E is a peer outreach program that advocates for veterans and connects them with peers to help them access benefits, services, and supports for their overall mental health. By identifying issues facing returning veterans, the program’s primary mission is to prevent suicide and mental health distress and increase the chances for a positive transition back to civilian life. S.A.V.E is a liaison between veterans and their families and other agencies within the federal and state governments including the Massachusetts National Guard. Information for the Contact Offices is below.

Blue Envelope Program

The Blue Envelope Program is a Massachusetts Statewide collaborative initiative aimed at fostering a safer and more understanding environment for drivers with autism spectrum disorder during traffic stops. It involves a specially designed envelope that holds a driver's essential documents—license, registration, and a contact card. The envelope features critical communication guidelines on its exterior, specifically tailored to assist law enforcement officers in recognizing and adapting their approach when interacting with a driver who has autism. The initiative addresses several key objectives including: enhancing understanding, reducing anxiety, streamlining communication, and encouraging preparedness.

This program emerged from a partnership between the Massachusetts Chiefs of Police Association, the Massachusetts State Police, Advocates for Autism of Massachusetts, and The Arc of Massachusetts, alongside input from individuals with autism and their families. To learn more about it visit: Blue Envelope Program

• Tips of drivers on the autism spectrum

• Tips for law enforcement interacting with drivers on the autism spectrum

Additional Resources

Substance Use Resources

• Massachusetts.gov Resource Sheet

• Massachusetts Organization for Addiction Recovery Sheet (MOAR)

• Massachusetts Help Line 800.327.5050 (Monday - Friday, 8 AM - 10 PM; Saturday & Sunday 8 AM - 6PM)

• Mabhaccess.com (to locate openings in detox facilities)

• Alcoholics Anonymous; Families Anonymous

• How to manage when a loved one has addiction: alliesinrecovery.net

• North Suffolk Mental Health Association 24/7 Recovery Support Hotline 1-844-NSPEERS (Call or Text)

• Prevention Tips for Every Age

Suicide Prevention & Intervention Articles & Resources

• AdCare Hospital

  • The Link Between Substance Abuse and Suicide in Teens

  • Co-Occurring Disorders: Substance Abuse & Mental Health

  • Alcoholism and Suicide Risk

  • Suicide Among Veterans