In recognition of #SuicidePreventionMonth, we want to remind our employee community about the resources available for those experiencing life changes and severe challenges. It is OK to ask for help. Your Here4TN Emotional Wellbeing Solutions (EWS) offers several coping and crisis resources that you can access free of charge.
- Counseling: Here4TN offers telephone, in-person, and virtual in-network counseling options, including up to 5 no-cost short-term counseling visits per issue, per individual, per year at no cost to you. This service is available to you and your eligible family members. Preauthorization is required to use counseling services. You may also have access to additional support with long-term counseling through your behavioral health benefits, as needed.
- Talkspace: Talkspace is a digital platform that offers an alternative to face-to-face therapy through text, voice, and video messaging. It is a convenient, safe, and secure way to access EAP and behavioral health therapy using your smartphone or desktop.
- AbleTo Self-Care App: AbleTo is an on-demand app that offers resources to help you understand your emotional well-being and reduce stress. The app provides mental health tools, and it can help you track your mood and sleeping habits and create a self-guided journey to better mental health.
Confidential support is available anytime you need it. Call Here4TN EWS at 855-Here4TN (855-437-3486). Visit Here4TN.com to learn more.
Suicide Prevention & Resources
There is hope. Create hope in your family and your community by educating yourself about suicide prevention. Learn the warning signs and risk factors for suicide, how to support someone considering suicide, and familiarize yourself with #988Lifeline. Just like it takes a village to raise a child, it takes a community to care. We can all make a difference in someone’s life by learning how to support those considering suicide. Together, we can create a stronger, more compassionate community.
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Center for Wellbeing Sessions
September 19
QPR Training, 11-12pm
Columbia Scale Training, 12-1pm
Assisting Individuals in Crisis in College and Universities using Psychological First Aid and SAFE-R, 1-2pm
UC Sequoyah Room
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Optum (EWS provider) Session
Suicide Prevention
September 26, 10-11am
UC Chickamauga Room
Description: Suicide remains one of the leading causes of death worldwide, according to WHO’s latest estimates. This training raises awareness of the risk factors of suicide and how to intervene if you believe someone is at risk. Register Here
University Resources & Events
UTC Cares | University of Tennessee at Chattanooga
UTC Cares provides 24/7 crisis response services for students and employees.
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September 12, 6-8pm
Hope Lives @ UTC is all about spreading hope and light. This event seeks to bring the UTC community together to learn about on- and off-campus resources available and canvas the campus with messages of hope for those who may be struggling. There will be live music by In the Company of Wolves, food, games, resources, and more. There will also be FREE long-sleeved T-shirts while they last.
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September 13 & 14
UTC is partnering with Tennessee Suicide Prevention Network for the Southeast Mental Health & Suicide Prevention Summit. Saturday’s Keynote speaker is April Simpkins, who has championed the cause of mental health following the passing of her beloved daughter, Miss USA 2019, Chelsie Kryst who battled depression for many years. Learn more at bit.ly/3y2iKJv.
Community Resources
Benefits-eligible employees, as well as their spouses and dependents, can utilize EWS resources and services. If you are not eligible for EWS services or are seeking additional mental and behavioral health services, the following community, state, and national resources are available to you:
TN Mental Health & Substance Abuse Crisis Walk-In Centers
Crisis Walk-In Centers offer face-to-face, 24/7/365 evaluation for those who are experiencing a mental health emergency. The local Volunteer Behavioral Health is located at:
413 Spring Street
Chattanooga, TN 37405
24-Hour Crisis Line: 1-800-704-2651
General Inquiries: 423-756-2740
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Tennessee Suicide Prevention Network
TN Statewide Crisis Line: 1-855-CRISIS-1 / 1-855-274-7471
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988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline (formerly known as the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline)
https://988lifeline.org/current-events/the-lifeline-and-988/
When people call, text, or chat 988, they will be connected to trained counselors who are part of the existing Lifeline network. These trained counselors will listen, understand how their problems are affecting them, provide support, and connect them to resources if necessary.