Description:

Institute on Aging's 24 our toll-free Friendhsip Line is the only accredited crisis line in the country for people aged 60 years and older, and adults living with disabilities. Friendship Line also makes on-going outreach calles to lonely older adults. While there are other organization that respond to the needs of people who may be contemplating suicide, none provides the type of services that IOA's Friendship Line offers to respond to the public health problem of suicide among the elderly. Knowing that older people do no contact traditional suicide prevention centers on a regular basis even if hey are considering suicide, they've created the only program nationwide that reaches out to lonely, depressed, isolated, frail and/or suicidal older adults. Fridship Lines trained volunteers specialize in offering a caring ear and having a friendly conversation with depressed older adults.