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TV Show Leads to a Life-Saving Call

While watching the Fox primetime television show Standoff, Sandra* heard a message that would save her life. The message, delivered by series co-stars Ron Livingston and Rosemarie DeWitt, clearly let Sandra know there were people who were willing to help her:

"We all deal with a lot these days. Stress, anger, worry. It can be too much. But things don't need to get out of control. You are not alone. Talk to someone. Call the Boys Town National Hotline. Twenty-four seven, they're always ready to listen and help you get through the tough times. Call 1-800-448-3000. Help is a phone call away."

These powerful words struck a chord with Sandra. She began to think of the times she had felt suicidal. She was hopeful that a call to the Hotline would bring about the positive changes she was seeking. She desperately needed someone to talk to about her suicide ideation, and decided to find help at the other end of the line.

Sandra's willingness to call the Hotline would change her life forever. Melissa*, the trained Hotline counselor who took the call, offered immediate help and encouragement after listening to Sandra recount her tough times, including battles with suicide thoughts, eating disorders and alcohol. After a lengthy and delicate conversation, Sandra told Melissa she felt safe and agreed not to hurt herself.

A few hours later, Sandra called back. "Thank you, Melissa, for helping me," she said. "Your help was amazing, and because of you, I am alive. I am thankful to know I have someone I can talk to."

It was the first time Sandra had ever called the Boys Town National Hotline. But she wasn't alone. Mentioning the Hotline during Standoff increased calls by 50% that night, said National Hotline Director Ginny Gohr. "We did get a lot of callers who saw the show and called us for their first time."

Thanks to a TV show, a woman's call for help and the compassion of a dedicated counselor, one more life was saved through the Hotline.

*Names and other identifiable information have been changed to protect privacy.