Grassroots Executive Director promotes 211 Maryland on WBAL-TV

Dr. Mariana Izraelson, Executive Director of Grassroots Crisis Intervention Center, was the featured guest on WBAL-TV’s Maryland Peace of Mind program recently. The show focused on 211 Maryland, a program designed to prevent suicide, provide substance use intervention and assist in a mental health emergency.

“Maryland 211 is an important tool in our efforts to prevent suicide and help those struggling with mental health issues,” Dr. Izraelson told viewers. “Essentially, it is an immediate, always-on-call help line,” she said. Grassroots is one of three providers of the 211 program in the region.

There are two major components to Maryland 211: 211 Press 1 and 211 Health Check. “211 Press 1 is simple and easy to remember,” Izraelson explained. Grassroots responds to almost 40,000 calls for help each year from across the region. Its specialists are available around the clock to listen to people in need and provide professional counseling and intervene in a crisis, she said.

“We recognize an emergency when we talk with someone,” Izraelson explained. “If people just pick up the phone and call an easy number, we will save lives and avert tragedies. Dial 2-1-1, then press 1, and you will be connected to a professional.”

The second component, 211 Health Check , provides support for people who would benefit from proactive mental health check-ins. “People with anxiety, stress and depression require frequent contact, frequent communication, not just when there is an emergency,” Izraeson said.

People may enroll in the check-in program by texting HealthCheck to 211 MD1. Responders are educated and experienced health and human services specialists who will know whether they are dealing with an emergency or with someone in need of regular check-ins and will act accordingly to assist callers.

To get more information, Marylanders should call 2-1-1. Agencies should email info@211md.org.