Institute of Aging Hotline Aids Seniors With Mental Issues
In 2011, California's Friendship Line -- a 24-hour telephone hotline run by the Institute of Aging -- received about 18,000 phone calls and made 40,000 calls to assist seniors. Operators make calls to remind seniors to take their medications or offer support for those with mental health issues. The hotline, which also aims to reduce the rate of suicide among seniors, recently secured funding from the California Mental Health Services Authority to expand its presence in the state.
- "Suicide Prevention Line Reaches Out to California Seniors" (Shanafelt, HealthyCal, 3/18).