Crisis Text Line partners with Gallaudet University to provide a free texting hotline for the Deaf community

Crisis Text Line​, a free, 24/7 text-messaging support line for people in crisis, announces the launch of a partnership with Gallaudet University and the Deaf community. Starting today, Deaf people will be able to text the word DEAF to 741741 and be connected with a Crisis Counselor. “The efforts by Crisis Text Line to ensure that their services are accessible to and appropriate for the deaf community is commendable,” said ​Gallaudet University President Roberta J. Cordano​. “Historically, deaf people in need of mental health and emergency/crisis services have had to deal with the additional stress and frustration of finding accessible services. Technology has helped in this manner, but it is also important that mental health and emergency/crisis services staff members are properly trained in working with deaf and hard of hearing clients. I am pleased that Gallaudet staff and students are involved in this critical work.”To learn more about this partnership and service, visit: http://www.gallaudet.edu/news/crisis-text-line-update.html