Boys Town New York

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National Hotline PSA Seen in New York's Time Square

During the month of November, thousands will learn of the help, healing and hope available through a call to the Boys Town National Hotline, thanks to a public service announcement shown in New York's Times Square. The PSA will air twice every hour on the Square's 1,400 square-foot Panasonic Astrovision Screen.

"This provides an outstanding means of getting awareness out at a very high level," said Ginny Gohr, Boys Town National Hotline Director. "With the holiday shopping season approaching, even more who need help will learn to call."

The PSA being played targets teens. In 2005, more than one-quarter of all calls received at the Hotline came from youth between the ages of 10 and 19 - the highest percentage of any age group. A majority of these calls dealt with peer and adult relationship concerns, while more than 6 percent involved suicide issues.

"Many teens feel lonely and overwhelmed and we are here to help," said Gohr. "Often just a simple call with our trained operators helps teenagers feel more secure."

The PSA in Times Square came through the Hotline's relationship with Banyan Communications Inc. - a marketing and communications company that produces and distributes the PSAs. Hotline advertisements can also be seen during teen-targeted television programs on MTV and other stations nationwide.

"Banyan works to provide prominent placement for Hotline PSAs throughout the country," said Gohr.

The Boys Town National Hotline is a 24-hour, daily, toll-free crisis and referral service. It is accredited by the American Association of Suicidology and the Council on Accreditation of Services for Family and Children, Inc. It is the only national hotline that is a resource for children and parents, and handles multiple problems. If you are hurting or afraid, 24-hour help is available at (800) 448-3000.