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No Increase In Calls To Arizona Suicide Hotlines During Pandemic

Earlier this month on The Show, we talked about the rise in calls to domestic violence hotlines and police as more of us are staying at home. Today, let’s talk about suicide.

Experts and advocates are worried we will start to see a rise in suicides as a result of this ongoing pandemic, as people lose their jobs, remain isolated at home, and try to grapple with the constant stress and anxiety many of us are feeling as a result of our new reality and fear of this disease.

But, The Show's next guest says they’re not seeing an increase in calls to suicide hotlines here in Arizona – at least not yet.

Matthew Moody is the manager of contact center operations at the Crisis Response Network, and he says many of these calls may be syphoning off to their new COVID-19 hotline, and closed schools means fewer mandated reporters calling. But, they’re still remaining vigilant.

The Show spoke with him more about it.

Crisis Response Network has just launched a COVID-19 Hotline with the Governor’s Office, the Departments of Economic Security and Health Services to assist anyone with referrals and resources during this crisis. Call 211 to find out more.

If you or a loved one is having suicidal thoughts, call Crisis Response Network at 602-222-9444 for help.

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Lauren Gilger, host of KJZZ's The Show, is an award-winning journalist whose work has impacted communities large and small, exposing injustices and giving a voice to the voiceless and marginalized.