Blog
Addressing the Alarming Increase in Suicide Rates Among Black Children and Young Adults
Suicide rates among Black children and young adults between the ages of 10-24 have increased dramatically over the past few years.
Advocating for Youth Mental Health in Education
My connection with youth is my biggest interest, and my foundation has been crucial in understanding how we can have influence in supporting and advocating for youth mental health in Portland and across the state of Oregon.
You Call, We Answer: Monique, Crisis Lines Clinical Supervisor
There is so much stigma against mental health and suicide in the Black and Creole cultures, but many of us are working to break that stigma. I’ve always been interested in mental health. My family moved to Southwest Louisiana over 300 years ago as one of the premier and largest Creole families.
Black History Month
Lines for Life Joins Kingdom Kuts for the First Annual Barbershop Conversation
January 21st, 2023, marked Lines for Life’s first annual Barbershop Conversation in partnership with Kingdom Kuts.Kingdom Kuts, a local barbershop in Portland, Oregon, was packed with people from Portland’s Black and Brown communities to talk about the importance of community...
Black History Month
Creating a Diversified Mental Health Workforce
I was born and raised in Brooklyn, New York, before serving in the US Marine Corps for over 19 years. My then-wife was offered a job in Portland, Oregon, and I remember thinking, “Are we going to be the only Black people there?”What was supposed to be a temporary stint ended...
Black History Month
Lines for Life Celebrates Black History Month 2023
As Lines for Life celebrates Black History Month, it is important to learn the history behind this celebration of the culture and strength of Black Americans as well as their countless contributions to this country.This February, we highlight the accomplishments of Black Americans...
Black History Month
Black History Month 2023: Celebrating Influential Black Individuals
Black History Month is a time to reflect and celebrate the history, culture, and strength of Black Americans as well as their countless contributions to this country. There are many “firsts” that Black people and communities are still achieving daily. We want to uplift and magnify...
You Call, We Answer
You Call, We Answer: Cami, Events Coordinator
The ripple effects of substance abuse and suicide are quantifiable and immense. I know firsthand how difficult it is to lose a loved one to suicide. I’m a suicide loss survivor. My father struggled with extreme mental illness and died by suicide when I was just nine years old....
Native American Heritage Month
Washington’s New Native & Strong Lifeline
Native & Strong Lifeline – the first state-funded helpline dedicated to serving Native communities specifically – launched on November 10th as part of the 988 call center operated by Volunteers of America Western Washington (VOAWW). The service offers Native communities in...
Native American Heritage Month
Warm Springs Launches YouthLine Satellite Center
In partnership with Lines for Life, the Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs have dedicated a satellite YouthLine call center on the Warm Springs reservation in Central Oregon.As we partner with the Warm Springs community, tribal elders, and service programs, our shared goals...
Native American Heritage Month
The Healing Power of Culture & Connection
2022 Tribal Opioid Training Academyby Yoli FloresThe annual Tribal Opioid Training Academy – funded by Native American Rehabilitation Association of the Northwest and Oregon Health Authority and supported by the Northwest Portland Area Indian Health Board, Lines for Life, and...
Hispanic Heritage Month
Together, We Can Heal
Boricuas are Resilient“Throughout our history, Puerto Rican people (boricuas) have gone through a continuing series of extreme situations, making us resilient in the face of adversity – starting with Puerto Rico’s colonization by Spain and then by the United States, and recently,...
Hispanic Heritage Month
Hablemos de la Salud Mental
Hablemos de la salud mental (let’s talk about mental health): suicide in the Hispanic community has increased by more than 70% between 2010 and 2020.Compared to other groups, Latinos/as/x in Oregon do not seek mental health care and are less likely to find help.When individuals...
