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211 crisis center gets the word out
By BABITA PERSAUD, Times Staff Writer TAMPA -- As part of an effort to reduce teenage suicide, the Children's Board of Hillsborough County and the Crisis Center of Tampa Bay kicked off a media campaign Tuesday for its 211 helpline. Instead of opening a phone book and navigating through a maze of help agencies, "parents only need to remember one number -- 211," said project director Amy Petrila. "No question is too big or too small." Callers will be connected to the Crisis Center's call center on Bearss Avenue, where counselors will either refer them to the right agency or help them directly. The media campaign for the helpline will include radio, television, newspaper and billboard ads. The billboards will feature a closeup of a teenage girl with her tongue pierced. "It is designed to be attention-getting," Petrila said. Since 211 isn't a number recognized by cell phones, an alternative number is included in the campaign: 813-234-1234. The helpline has been operating in Hillsborough, Pinellas and Hernando counties for more than a year. It is designed to be a one-stop number for about 50 different health and social service organizations. It is not just for parents, Petrila said. Anyone can call, especially teens. One in five youths has an emotional or behavioral problem, according to the U.S. Department of Health. Two-thirds of those children are not getting the help they need, Petrila said. Last year, 21 Hillsborough County residents under 25 took their lives. A crepe tree garden was planted in the back of the call center Tuesday in their memory. "This is a serious issue that must be dealt with," said Dennis Ross, the crisis center's president and chief executive. He knows. In 1987, his son, David, committed suicide. After the death, Ross had a psychological autopsy conducted by a counselor. He was told David had exhibited classic symptoms. "He had a flat tire for two weeks, didn't fix it," Ross said. "He was into drugs and alcohol and was always alone."
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From the Times Ernest Hooper |
