Blog
Start the Conversation: Mike, Clinical Trainer
My first career was in the restaurant industry, managing restaurants and eventually managing theaters and event venues for a large chain of Oregon brewpubs. I had to leave because I drank too much, and I was like a kid in a candy store. Eventually, I became interested in the substance use recovery field and worked as an addiction counselor and...
Tips to Start the Conversation About Mental Health in Military & Veteran Communities
This Mental Health Awareness Month, we highlight opportunities to Start the Conversation among service members, veterans, and their families (SMVF). A “power through it” mentality is strong in military culture – both for physical and emotional concerns. Stigma around needing help is a barrier for many when they are having a mental health concern....
Start the Conversation: Oregon Helpers Wellness Initiative
“The program is a voice in creating safe spaces for difficult conversations. We make the spaces welcoming, inclusive, and keep them trauma-informed so people can come for that necessary support.” - Stacey, Bilingual/Bicultural Group Facilitator The Oregon Helpers Wellness Initiative is changing the game in how they Start the Conversation around...
Press Releases
Lines for Life Responds to Federal Decision to End LGBTQIA+ 988 Line
For More Information, Contact:Jered WeberCommunications DirectorLines for Life [email protected] for Life Responds to Federal Decision to End LGBTQIA+ 988 LineLines for Life is a Resource for AllPortland, Ore. — As a home to Oregonʻs 988 and crisis hotlines for...
Equity
BIPOC Mental Health Awareness Month: Uplifting Stories and Centering Equity
At Lines for Life, our mission to prevent substance abuse and suicide is rooted in compassion, cultural responsiveness, and a deep commitment to equity. This July, we recognize BIPOC Mental Health Awareness Month by reflecting on the unique mental health challenges faced by Black,...
YouthLine
When Peers are the Help Needed: How YouthLine is Revolutionizing Mental Health Support for Young People
This article was inspired by Lines for Life's 2024 Annual Report. To read more about our work in 2024, download the full report .What if the person most qualified to help a struggling teenager wasn't a licensed therapist or counselor, but another young person who truly understands...
Equity
Honoring Juneteenth: A Continued Commitment to Black Mental Health
Juneteenth marks the day in 1865 when enslaved Black people in Galveston, Texas were finally informed of their freedom — two and a half years after the Emancipation Proclamation was signed. This day is a powerful reminder of the enduring fight for Black liberation, justice, and...
Suicide Prevention Month
Breaking Barriers: Construction CareLine Offers Lifesaving Support for Oregon’s Construction Workers
Construction workers face dangers every day on the job site, but the most significant threat they encounter isn't from heavy machinery or hazardous materials. Tragically, construction workers are six times more likely to die by suicide than from any workplace accident. This sobering...
Mental Health Awareness Month
Leaders in Construction Industry Announce Comprehensive Plan for Suicide Prevention and Mental Health
For More Information, Contact:Dwight HoltonCEO, Lines for Life503.501.6682LEADERS IN CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY ANNOUNCE COMPREHENSIVE PLAN FOR SUICIDE PREVENTION AND MENTAL HEALTHExecutives from Leading General Contractors Commit to PlanPortland, Oregon. Eight of the nation's leading...
Suicide Prevention Month
From Loss to Leadership: Rebuilding Mental Health in Construction Culture
In an industry known for building structures that withstand the elements, the toughest challenges are often the emotional ones. The construction industry faces a hidden crisis claiming more lives than workplace accidents ever could.The Shocking Reality Behind Hard HatsConstruction...
Black History Month
Barbershops Have Long Been Mental Health Havens—Now They’re Expanding Their Support
Barbershops have always been more than just places for a fresh fade or a lineup. For generations, they've served as trusted community spaces—where conversations flow freely, where advice is given, and where people feel safe. Now, in Portland, they're becoming something even more...
Alcohol and Drug Facts
Alcohol? It’s Time to Rethink the Drink
Alcohol consumption is common in celebrations, social gatherings, and even as a way to unwind after a long day. However, many people don't realize the impact of alcohol on mental health, sleep quality, and emotional well-being.Here's a sobering fact: Excessive alcohol use contributes...
Equity
Addressing Mental Health in BIPOC Communities: How Lines for Life is Making a Difference
Breaking Barriers to Mental Health SupportMental health care is essential for everyone, but many Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) face stigma, discrimination, and a lack of culturally responsive support. These barriers often prevent individuals from seeking help.Lines...
