WE ARE TRUSTED
Iowa Crisis Chat is an online resource for emotional support, operated by CommUnity Crisis Services and Food Bank, formerly The Crisis Center, located in Iowa City, IA. CommUnity was founded in 1970 by two University of Iowa students whose friend attempted suicide and had nowhere to go for help. They started a crisis hotline and CommUnity has grown from there. In 2011, CommUnity added online emotional support via chat through Iowa Crisis Chat and became the only agency in Iowa to be accredited by the International Council for Helplines and American Association of Suicidology. Accreditation demonstrates a strong commitment to preventing suicide in Iowa. We are also a contracted crisis center of the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline and answer both phone calls and chats for them.
WE ARE GROWING
Today, CommUnity receives more than 25,000 contacts each year through the 24/7 crisis hotline and chat services. In fiscal year 2017, chats exceeded phone calls for the first time (13,000 chats vs. 12,000 phone calls). People of all ages use this service to talk about a variety of concerns. However, the median age is 21 and 80% of chatters are experiencing thoughts of suicide.
WE ARE VOLUNTEER-DRIVEN
Our volunteers undergo extensive training including 16 hours of Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training (ASIST). Volunteers are continuously monitored and given feedback by staff supervisors. If you’re interested in volunteering remotely with Iowa Crisis Chat, visit our Volunteer page.
WE ARE COMMITTED TO OUTREACH
At Iowa Crisis Chat we are committed to outreach and ensuring our service is in the hands of those who need it. Visit the Outreach page if you would like to request promotional materials or staff members to speak at or attend an event.
WE ARE TRAILBLAZERS IN CRISIS INTERVENTION
As one of the first crisis chat providers in the country, our staff helped develop best practices for other crisis centers as they began to provide crisis chat. We have also pioneered processes to assist 911 dispatchers locate individuals in crisis, even if they are using a blind ISP. At the same time, we take your privacy very seriously. You can review our Privacy Policy here.