19 million Americans
Struggle With Depression
Untreated depression is the leading cause of suicide. Two thirds of people who struggle with depression never seek treatment. There are an estimated 840,000 suicide attempts and more than 32,000 people die by suicide in America each year.
Many people are unwilling or unable to reach out to traditional crisis hotlines. Studies show that compared to telephone and face-to-face communication, people are most comfortable and willing to reach out for help online via written communication. More than ever, people are communicating through instant messaging and phone texting. The primary current forms of crisis intervention and suicide prevention are telephone hotlines and face-to-face (i.e. counseling and treatment centers).
There is a tremendous need for an online network.
The Kristin Brooks Hope Center, To Write Love On Her Arms and PostSecret have partnered together to launch IMAlive, the first live online crisis network with 100% of its staff certified and trained in crisis intervention.
Currently, we are beta testing the newly developed online crisis intervention training by the QPR Institute. Our teams are working hard to launch IMAlive in 2010, but we need your help.
How Can You Help Launch IMALive?
Become a Volunteer
We must train and certify 1,000 volunteers for the first year of operation.Requirements:
• Must be at least 18 years old to apply
• Must complete a minimum of 50 hours training and a series of tests & screenings
• Must have reliable Internet access
• Must possess a genuine desire and willingness to help people in need
• Must be willing to commit 4 hours per week for the duration of one year
