Lines for Life’s Gala Raises Funds to Prevent Substance Abuse and Suicide

Portland, OR. Lines for Life‘s annual gala drew a crowd of 500 guests and raised more than $390,000 to support the organization’s mission of preventing substance abuse and suicide. Highlights of the February 24th gala at the Sentinel included honoring several people who have propelled Lines for Life forward by giving a voice to the issues of substance abuse, suicide, and mental health. Former Lines for Life CEO Judy Cushing presented KINK radio’s Sheila Hamilton with the Celebrating Life Award for raising awareness about suicide and promoting mental health. (Photo credit, Andie Petkus)

Lines for Life CEO Dwight Holton awarded Corinne Boyer of the Eugene Weekly with the Tom Parker Award for Media Excellence.

“The issues that define our mission touch everyone. We were thrilled to have so many enthusiastic supporters gathered together last Friday to celebrate the difference we can make together,” says Lines for Life’s Development Director Fiona Milligan.

In 2016, Lines for Life Crisis Lines answered over 78,000 calls, texts, chats, and emails from individuals and their friends or family who struggled with issues related to mental health, substance abuse, and suicide. We de-escalated approximately 95 percent of the suicide-related calls we received, helping the vast majority of callers find a way forward without the intervention of emergency services.  

About Lines for Life:

Lines for life is a regional nonprofit dedicated to preventing substance abuse and suicide. We believe that every person deserves to be healthy and happy; but we know that many people are in crisis and many communities are struggling. No one should struggle alone. We offer help and hope by building relationships with individuals and communities, and by promoting mental health for all.

Our work addresses a spectrum of needs that include intervention, prevention, and advocacy. We educate, train, and advocate to prevent issues of substance abuse, mental illness, and thoughts of suicide from reaching crisis levels. But when a crisis arises or support is needed, we’re available 24/7/365 to intervene with personalized help.

Crisis Intervention Services
Our 24-hour crisis lines offer help and hope to individuals and their loved ones when in crisis or when needing confidential help for drug addiction, alcohol abuse, thoughts of suicide, and other mental health issues. Our staff and volunteer crisis intervention specialists are highly-trained and help thousands of individuals each year. While available to anyone in need, our services include targeted support for those struggling with addiction and recovery, military service members, veterans, youth, and their families.

All of our crisis lines are free, confidential, and available 24/7/365 to those in crisis or their concerned friends and family.

Suicide LifeLine                                    800-273-TALK (8255)
Military Helpline               888-457-4838 or text MIL1 to 839863
YouthLine                               877-968-8491 or text teen2teen to 839863
Alcohol & Drug Helpline 800-923-HELP (4357)

Prevention Services
Our education and training programs promote mental health and wellness in communities throughout Oregon. Our hallmark trainings are taught by certified professionals and equip schools and communities to identify and assist people at risk of suicide and to respond to signs of mental illness and substance abuse. We work to destigmatize mental health issues, increase awareness for mental wellness, and encourage reaching out for help.

Public Policy & Advocacy
We work locally and nationally to shape the policies that impact our mission. We work with legislators and community partners to create sustainable, positive changes in the way organizations and communities respond to substance abuse, suicide, mental wellness, and crisis. Today, we are taking the lead on preventing prescription drug abuse; historically, we’ve worked to limit teen exposure to drugs and alcohol, minimize access to the chemicals used to manufacture illegal drugs, and more.