Grassroots Recognized During National Suicide Prevention Month

Grassroots, Howard County's 24-hour crisis intervention center and shelter for the homeless, was recently presented an Honorary Resolution by the Howard County Council in recognition of National Suicide Prevention and Awareness Month. The resolution cites Grassroots’ ongoing work to “offer support to those who are struggling and coping with the effects of suicide, provide training to prevent suicide, and increase awareness of mental health.”

The resolution also acknowledges that the “goal of Suicide Prevention and Awareness Month is to provide awareness and education about the facts of suicide so that lives can be saved. This is accomplished by learning warning signals, helping those who may be struggling, and providing information and resources to people affected by suicide.”

Individuals can contact Grassroots at 410-531-6677 anytime for a variety of issues, including thoughts of suicide, family and relationship problems, housing needs, domestic situations, loneliness or depression, substance use issues and more. Grassroots also serves as a call center for the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, a national network that provides free and confidential 24-hour support via call, text or chat. Last year, Grassroots provided crisis line support to 72,949 people in distress.

Grassroots is also one of the local programs in the State of Maryland to provide the Maryland 211 Program, which responds to people in the region who are coping with mental health issues.

Marijka Vosburgh, Deputy Director of Clinical & Crisis Services, 988 Chat/Text Programs; Dr. Mariana Izraelson, Grassroots Executive Director; Joan Morgan-Jones, Deputy Director of Crisis Services -988 & Care Control Programs, were included at the recent Howard County Council meeting in which Grassroots was honored.