We met up on the Zooms screen with Rusty Holland, Executive Director from Concern Hotline to talk about his organization.

Concern Hotline is a free 24/7/365 anonymous information & referral, crisis intervention, and suicide prevention hotline serving the Northern Shenandoah Valley of Virginia.

Callers can reach out to any of their 5 supported Hotline numbers, toll free, 24 hours a day. Their trained volunteers are respectful, compassionate, and confidential listeners who will listen to your stories of hardship, and bear witness to your struggle to live a happy, healthy life. Rusty reminded us that you do NOT have to be suicidal to call the hotline. They welcome calls from those who just need to talk. The numbers for each locality are below though you do not have to live in the specified area to call that number.

Winchester: 540-667-0145
Clarke & Frederick Counties: 540-667-0145
Page County: 540-743-3733
Shenandoah County: 540-459-4742
Warren County: 540-635-4357

Rusty explained the current climate across the Shenandoah Valley as it relates to suicide deaths - in particular in Warren County - which is considered to be in an "outbreak." He talked about the differences between acute and chronic mental health issues which factor into suicidal thoughts and actions.

He told us about the different trainings that they offer not just to those looking to volunteer as a listener, but to anyone in any community. We talked about all the ways residents can support Concern Hotline from writing checks, to volunteering their time, or supporting a fundraiser. Rusty encouraged listeners to also support their supporters by thanking them when you see them at events such as Front Royal Cardinals baseball games.

Before we wrapped our conversation, we took a bit of a stroll down memory lane as Rusty gave us some history of the Annual Fish Fry fundraiser - now in it's 23rd year - and talked about how and why it began as well as how much it's grown. The event will take place on September 2, 2022 at the Frederick County Fairgrounds.

For more information about Concern Hotline, follow them on Facebook or reach out them via phone: (540) 536-1630.