Throughout this current pandemic, social isolation and fears have arisen that has added emotional and psychological stressors to everyone including residents in our community.

This National Suicide Prevention Week, September 6-12, South Floridians are reminded that Jewish Community Services’ 211 Miami is always available to offer crisis counseling, emotional support and community resources to anyone in need. The JCS 211 Miami team is comprised of experienced, culturally competent professionals serving all of Miami-Dade County. Experienced professional staff provide these services 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year in English, Spanish, Creole, and all languages. 211 Miami provides coverage locally in Miami-Dade and Monroe counties for the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline and is a Spanish Core Center who answers for the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline around the country.

“If you’re feeling overwhelmed by thoughts of not wanting to live or you’re having urges to attempt suicide, help is available,” stated Richard Shutes, Director of 211 Miami. “These are trying times. If you need help or need someone to talk to, please call 211. We are here to assist you.” States Miriam Singer, President & CEO of Jewish Community Services of South Florida.

As of May, our 211 Miami professional team experienced a 150% increase in the number of callers in need of information and referrals for economic, food, health, mental health and social services programs in the first months since the onset of COVID-19 in our community. We are now seeing an increase of 50% of normal call volume this past quarter.

“Well Beings,” a collaboration with South Florida PBS, the Health Channel, National Alliance on Mental Illness, and Student Reporting Labs, will stream a virtual panel discussion featuring local experts and young people on youth mental health in South Florida at 7 p.m. on Wednesday, September 9 on https://wellbeings.org/SouthFloridapbs. Participants will learn how to help those who are living with mental health challenges such as depression and thoughts of suicide and cover effective coping strategies for families including how to avoid burnout, alternative treatment options, how to keep loved ones engaged during their recovery, and much more.

For additional information, please call Richard Shutes at 786-252-5096.