Person reaching for phone to call crisis hotline for immediate support

Crisis Hotlines & Emergency Resources

Immediate help is available 24/7. No one should face a crisis alone. Access confidential support, overdose prevention resources, and emergency guidance.

If This is a Life-Threatening Emergency

Call 911 immediately if someone is:

Not breathing or breathing very slowly
Unconscious and cannot be woken
Having a seizure
Experiencing chest pain
Actively attempting suicide
Violent or threatening harm to others

For suspected opioid overdose: Call 911 AND administer naloxone (Narcan) if available. Stay with the person until help arrives.

National Hotlines

24/7 Crisis Support Lines

These national hotlines provide free, confidential support 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline

Call or Text: 988

The 988 Lifeline provides 24/7 free and confidential support for people in distress, prevention and crisis resources, and best practices for professionals in the United States.

When to call: Suicidal thoughts, mental health crisis, emotional distress, substance abuse crisis, need someone to talk to

What to expect: Trained crisis counselors provide immediate support, risk assessment, safety planning, and local resource referrals

Languages: English and Spanish; translation services available for 150+ languages

Deaf/Hard of Hearing: Use your preferred relay service or dial 711 then 988

SAMHSA National Helpline

1-800-662-4357 (HELP)

SAMHSA's National Helpline is a free, confidential, 24/7 treatment referral and information service for individuals and families facing mental health and/or substance use disorders.

When to call: Need treatment referrals, questions about substance abuse, mental health concerns, family seeking guidance, information about recovery resources

What to expect: Information specialists provide referrals to local treatment facilities, support groups, and community-based organizations. They can help navigate insurance and payment options.

Languages: English and Spanish

Note: This is not a counseling line - they provide referrals and information, not crisis counseling

Crisis Text Line

Text HOME to 741741

Free, 24/7 crisis support via text message. Connect with a trained crisis counselor to receive support through text messaging.

When to use: Any crisis situation, prefer texting over talking, need confidential support, feeling overwhelmed or in distress

What to expect: Text HOME to 741741, a crisis counselor will respond (usually within 5 minutes), you'll have a text conversation, they'll help you move from a hot moment to a cool calm

Privacy: Completely confidential, no caller ID shared, texts are not stored on your phone bill

Veterans Crisis Line

988 then Press 1

Or text: 838255

Confidential support for Veterans, service members, National Guard, Reserve, and their families and friends - even if not enrolled in VA benefits or health care.

When to call: Any crisis, PTSD symptoms, substance abuse, depression, suicidal thoughts, need veteran-specific support

What to expect: Caring, qualified responders who are specially trained in veteran culture and military experience. Many are Veterans themselves.

Online Chat: Available at VeteransCrisisLine.net/Chat

Poison Control

1-800-222-1222

The national poison help hotline provides free, confidential expert medical advice 24/7 for poisonings and overdoses.

When to call: Suspected poisoning or overdose, accidentally took wrong medication, took too much medication, questions about drug interactions, swallowed household chemicals

What to expect: Nurses, pharmacists, and toxicology experts provide immediate guidance, determine if you need emergency care, stay on the line with you if needed

Online: Use web POISON CONTROL tool for less urgent questions at poison.org

Disaster Distress Helpline

1-800-985-5990

Or text: TalkWithUs to 66746

Crisis counseling and support for people experiencing emotional distress related to natural or human-caused disasters.

When to call: Stress from natural disasters (hurricanes, floods), community violence, pandemic-related stress, overwhelmed by news/events

Specialized Support

Specialized Crisis Lines

Targeted support for specific populations and situations.

LGBTQ+ Youth

Trevor Project: 1-866-488-7386

Text START to 678678 or chat at TheTrevorProject.org

Crisis intervention and suicide prevention for LGBTQ+ youth under 25

Teen Line

1-800-852-8336 or text TEEN to 839863

6pm-10pm PT daily. Teens helping teens with problems.

Domestic Violence

National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-7233

Text START to 88788 or chat at TheHotline.org

24/7 support for victims of domestic violence and abuse

Sexual Assault

RAINN National Sexual Assault Hotline: 1-800-656-4673 (HOPE)

Chat at online.rainn.org

Support for survivors of sexual assault, available 24/7

Postpartum Support

Postpartum Support International: 1-800-944-4773

Text 503-894-9453 (English) or 971-420-0294 (Spanish)

Support for maternal mental health, postpartum depression, anxiety

Eating Disorders

NEDA Helpline: 1-800-931-2237

Text "NEDA" to 741741

Support for eating disorders and body image issues

Gambling Addiction

National Council on Problem Gambling: 1-800-522-4700

Text "GAMBLER" to 833937

24/7 confidential help for problem gambling

Overdose Prevention

Recognizing and Responding to Overdose

Quick action saves lives. Know the signs, know the response.

Opioid Overdose Signs

According to the CDC, over 107,000 Americans died from drug overdoses in 2022, with opioids involved in approximately 75% of those deaths. Recognizing overdose symptoms and responding immediately is critical.

Signs of Opioid Overdose:

Small, constricted "pinpoint" pupils
Falling asleep or losing consciousness
Slow, weak, or no breathing
Choking or gurgling sounds
Limp body
Cold and/or clammy skin
Discolored skin (especially lips and fingernails - blue or purple)
Slow or no heartbeat
Vomiting
Cannot be awakened even with vigorous stimulation

Overdose Response: Step-by-Step

1. Call 911 Immediately

Do not wait to see if symptoms improve. Brain damage from lack of oxygen can occur within minutes. Call 911 first, then take additional steps while waiting for help.

2. Administer Naloxone (Narcan) if Available

Naloxone is an opioid antagonist that rapidly reverses opioid overdose. It is safe, cannot be misused, and works within 2-5 minutes.

For nasal spray (most common):

Remove naloxone from packaging
Tilt person's head back
Insert nozzle into one nostril
Press plunger firmly to release the dose
If no response after 2-3 minutes, give second dose in other nostril

For auto-injector:

Remove from packaging
Place against outer thigh (can go through clothing)
Press firmly and hold for several seconds
Repeat after 2-3 minutes if no response

3. Try to Keep Person Awake and Breathing

If person is semi-conscious, try to keep them awake. Perform a sternal rub (rubbing knuckles firmly on the chest bone) to stimulate them. Speak to them loudly.

4. Lay Person on Their Side (Recovery Position)

This prevents choking if they vomit. Position them on their side with their top knee bent to prevent rolling onto their stomach.

5. Perform Rescue Breathing if Needed

If the person is not breathing or breathing very slowly:

Tilt head back, lift chin
Pinch nose shut
Give one breath every 5 seconds
Watch for chest to rise with each breath
Continue until person breathes on their own or help arrives

6. Stay Until Help Arrives

Never leave the person alone. Even after naloxone is given, medical care is essential because:

Naloxone wears off in 30-90 minutes; overdose can re-occur
They may have taken multiple substances
They need evaluation for complications
Some opioids (like fentanyl) may require multiple doses of naloxone

After Naloxone is Administered

When naloxone reverses an overdose, the person may:

Wake up confused or agitated
Experience immediate withdrawal symptoms (sweating, nausea, vomiting, body aches, increased heart rate)
Feel angry or defensive
Try to use again to relieve withdrawal discomfort

Stay calm, explain what happened, encourage them to stay and wait for paramedics, and do not let them use again - their tolerance is reduced and they could overdose again.

Naloxone Access

Where to Get Naloxone (Narcan)

Naloxone is widely available and could save a life. Everyone who uses opioids or knows someone who does should have naloxone.

Pharmacy Access (No Prescription Needed in Florida)

Florida allows pharmacists to dispense naloxone without a prescription through a statewide standing order. Simply walk into any pharmacy and ask for naloxone. Most major chains (CVS, Walgreens, Walmart, Publix) participate.

Cost: Typically $40-$150 depending on brand and formulation. Many insurance plans cover with no copay. Ask your pharmacist.

Free or Low-Cost Naloxone

Palm Beach County Health Department: Free naloxone distribution, 1-561-514-5300
Syringe Service Programs: Many provide free naloxone and training
Community-based organizations: Harm reduction groups often distribute free naloxone
NEXT Distro: Free mail-order naloxone and fentanyl test strips at nextdistro.org
PEHSU (Pediatric Environmental Health Specialty Unit): Free naloxone by mail for caregivers of children
Treatment centers: Many provide free naloxone upon discharge

Online Naloxone Resources

GetNaloxoneNow.org: Enter your zip code to find local naloxone distribution sites

NextDistro.org: Order free naloxone and fentanyl test strips by mail

NARCAN.com: Information and savings program for branded Narcan nasal spray

Fentanyl Test Strips

Fentanyl test strips allow people to test drugs for the presence of fentanyl, a powerful synthetic opioid that has contaminated the drug supply and dramatically increased overdose deaths. Florida legalized fentanyl test strips in 2021.

Where to get them:

NEXT Distro (free by mail)
Harm reduction organizations
Some pharmacies
DanceSafe.org (purchase online)

Naloxone Training

Brief training videos are available at:

SAMHSA Opioid Overdose Prevention Toolkit: store.samhsa.gov
Harm Reduction Coalition: harmreduction.org
CDC Opioid Overdose resources: cdc.gov/opioids

Many organizations offer free in-person training.

Florida Resources

Local South Florida Crisis Resources

Resources specific to Palm Beach County and South Florida.

Palm Beach County Crisis Hotline

211 or 561-330-1000

24/7 crisis counseling, suicide prevention, and resource referrals for Palm Beach County residents

Florida Abuse Hotline

1-800-962-2873

Report abuse, neglect, or exploitation of children or vulnerable adults

Palm Beach County Substance Awareness Coalition

561-472-HOPE (4673)

Local resources, support groups, and treatment referrals

South Florida Behavioral Health Network

1-800-203-6023

Crisis stabilization, Baker Act receiving facilities, mental health and substance abuse treatment access

Jerome Golden Center for Behavioral Health

561-383-8000

Crisis stabilization unit, detox services, mental health and substance abuse treatment in West Palm Beach

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I call 911 versus a crisis hotline?

Call 911 immediately for life-threatening emergencies: suspected overdose (unconscious, not breathing, blue lips), seizures, severe chest pain, violent behavior, active suicide attempt, or severe injury. Call a crisis hotline for emotional support, suicidal thoughts without immediate plan, substance abuse concerns, mental health crisis without immediate danger, or guidance on next steps. Crisis hotlines can also help you determine if 911 is needed.

What happens when I call a crisis hotline?

When you call a crisis hotline, a trained counselor will answer (you may wait briefly during high call volume). They will listen without judgment, assess your immediate safety, provide emotional support and coping strategies, offer resources and referrals, and help develop a safety plan if needed. Calls are confidential (with exceptions for imminent danger). You can remain anonymous. The counselor will not judge, shame, or pressure you - their role is to support and connect you with help.

How do I recognize an opioid overdose?

Opioid overdose signs include: unconsciousness or inability to wake up, very slow or stopped breathing, slow or erratic heartbeat, choking sounds or gurgling, blue or purple lips and fingernails, extremely small pinpoint pupils, cold or clammy skin, and limp body. If you suspect overdose, call 911 immediately, administer naloxone (Narcan) if available, perform rescue breathing if trained, and stay with the person. Time is critical - opioid overdoses can be fatal within minutes.

How do I administer naloxone (Narcan)?

For nasal spray naloxone: Remove from package, place tip in nostril, press plunger firmly to release dose, repeat in other nostril after 2-3 minutes if no response. For injectable naloxone: Remove cap, insert needle into outer thigh through clothing if needed, press plunger, hold for several seconds. After giving naloxone: call 911 if not already done, perform rescue breathing if needed, turn person on side, stay until help arrives. Naloxone wears off in 30-90 minutes, so medical help is essential.

Where can I get free naloxone (Narcan)?

Free or low-cost naloxone is available through: local health departments, syringe service programs, community-based organizations, pharmacies (many states allow pharmacist dispensing without prescription), substance abuse treatment centers, harm reduction programs, and online mail order programs. In Florida, naloxone is available without prescription at pharmacies through standing order. Many insurance plans cover naloxone with no copay. NEXT Distro provides free mail-order naloxone and fentanyl test strips.

Will I get in trouble for calling 911 during an overdose?

Florida has a Good Samaritan law (Florida Statute 776.032 and 893.21) that provides limited immunity from prosecution for drug possession when calling for help during an overdose. The law protects both the person experiencing overdose and the person calling for help. However, immunity does not cover drug trafficking, outstanding warrants, or other crimes. Despite legal protections, fear of police involvement prevents many overdose witnesses from calling 911. Remember: saving a life is always the priority. Emergency responders are focused on medical care, not arrests.

Related Resources

24/7 Support Available

If you or someone you love needs help now, we're here. Call for immediate confidential support.

(844) 638-5391

Or call 988 for immediate crisis support