The Alaska Division of Behavioral Health is pleased to announce the first responder crisis call line, AK Responders Relief Line, went LIVE May 5. The call line functions as a crisis counseling and general support line for healthcare and behavioral professionals impacted by COVID personally and professionally.  Staff supporting the call line recognize callers are often first responders and the service is designed to allows callers to openly express their experiences and feelings serving Alaskans impacted by COVID. The call line is specifically designed to support first responders experiencing a myriad of behavioral health issues including crisis, anxiety, isolation and depression.  When callers engage the anonymous call line, available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, they will be greeted by a trained professional providing empathetic and nonjudgmental support.  When requested, staff supporting the call line will provide a warm handoff to a local Alaska behavioral health professional for ongoing support.  All staff supporting the call line are trained in assessing for suicide risk.

The crisis call line is also available to immediate family members of first responders who may need help for a variety of behavioral health issues, and hard to label emotions, as a result of their loved one engaging on the front lines.

The AK Responders Relief Line: 1-844-985-8275

In addition to this relief line YKHC’s Behavioral Health Department would like to remind staff YKHC has been operating it’s own COVID-19 Emotional Support Line: 543-6272.

Behavioral Health can supply information, resources, brief telephone counseling, referrals, and, most importantly, someone to talk to and listen to your concerns. 

Behavioral Health’s COVID-19 Emotional Support Line is open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday–Friday 

If demand increases, so will the hours.

Below are some additional resources that you may find useful:

SAMHSA (Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration) Disaster Distress Helpline Call 1-800-985-5990 or text TalkWithUs to 66746 to connect with a trained crisis counselor. 

YKHC Behavioral Health. For appointment, call 543-6100 

YKHC Behavioral Health Emergency Services. Available 24/7 for suicidal ideation, severe depression, decompensation, or serious issues. Call 543-6499 

Covid-19 Nurse Triage Line. If you are in Bethel and have a cough, fever and shortness of breath and you have traveled out of region in the past 14 days, call 543-6949. In villages, call your local clinic. 

YKHC Employee Assistance Program. Call ComPsych® GuidanceResources® any time for confidental assistance. Phone: 866-465-8930 • TDD: 800-697-0353 guidanceresources.com (YKHC company web ID: COM589)