The Effort operates the region’s Suicide Prevention Crisis Line. Nationally accredited, recognized by the California State Office of Suicide Prevention, and a vital member of the National Helpline network, the hotline serves Sacramento County as well as 36 counties in Northern California. We answer calls 24 hours a day, 365 days a year from those living within the 916, 209, 530, and 707 area codes.

The Suicide Prevention Crisis Line receives calls from people of all ages who are experiencing depression, hopelessness, alone, desperate, and sometimes considering suicide as a solution to their pain. We also receive calls that involve emergency rescue, such as a suicide in progress, or someone on the Foresthill Bridge.

A person does not have to be suicidal to talk with one of our counselors. Many of our callers are third parties who are concerned about a friend or loved one who is suicidal. We are here to listen and understand, and to offer information and resources as needed. The Crisis Lines are staffed by extensively trained, carefully selected volunteers who not only understand how a suicidal person reaches such despair, but also help the individual choose life.

The Effort's Crisis Center is a regional training hub for suicide prevention skills and crisis intervention. Our Master Trainer staff provide 2-day ASIST (Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training) workshops to train and equip people in the community to learn to recognize and estimate suicide risk, and become more effective at helping people at risk of suicide. ASIST is evidence-based training, developed by LivingWorks.

The Effort also offers customized workshops on Suicide Awareness, Lethality Assessment, and Crisis Intervention to meet the specific needs of many groups and agencies throughout the region including: high schools, colleges, therapists, hospitals, non-profits, law enforcement agencies, social workers, domestic violence centers, professionals, faith organizations, and more.