DuPage County Sets Up Crisis Text Line For Teens

DUPAGE COUNTY, IL — DuPage County is doing everything it can to fight the ongoing heroin epidemic. Naperville Police Department recently partnered with Crisis Text Line, a nationwide text line that provides an outlet for kids who are struggling with substance abuse issues or emotional turmoil.

If teens find themselves in a crisis, they can text the word "reach" to 741741 to talk to a volunteer trained to help field high-risk situations and emotional struggles. Volunteers are available 24 hours, 7 days a week to respond and they encourage teens to reach out no matter where they are or what time it is.

This service affords a level of privacy to teens who may be reluctant to talk to parents, teachers, friends, and counselors about personal issues. It may be a helpful tool to prevent cases of teen suicide, substance abuse, and other issues.

The partnership with Crisis Text Line was spearheaded by social worker Eirene Leventis, who works for the Naperville Police Department, according to Daily Herald.

In 2016, 78 people died in DuPage County from opiate overdoses. The county recently received a $1.5 million grant to equip police officers with the life-saving drug Narcan.

Teen suicide and self-harm are all to prevalent and as reports of sexual harassment and assault are on the rise, this Crisis Line may be able to lend an ear —and a helping hand— to teens when they need it most.

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