THE CRISIS CENTER OF TAMPA BAY INC

The gateway contact center offers a collaborative approach to addressing community health and human services issues in tampa bay. The gateway includes the 211 call center, where clients receive immediate information and referrals for social services; the 988 suicide & crisis lifeline; the statewide rape crisis hotline; the ncadi statewide substance misuse hotline; the statewide florida veterans support line; the first responder hope line; and the let's talk line. Staff are available 24/7 to provide emotional support and linkages to resources both within the crisis center and through community partners. The gateway contact center answered 111,809 calls, with 51,800 being suicide and crisis calls and 60,009 being requests for information and referrals. (see schedule o).the gateway contact center answered 111,8090 calls last year, with 51,800 being suicide and crisis calls and 60,009 being requests for information and referrals. 4,339 suicide prevention assessments were provided to individuals who called the 988 suicide & crisis lifeline. The florida veterans support line responded to 19,097 requests for help from veterans and their loved ones and provided ongoing care coordination to 2,543 individuals.one individual who was helped through the contact center was vivicka. Vivicka reached out to 211 crisis, overwhelmed and emotionally exhausted. She had been seeking help but wasn't sure where to turn. As she shared her story, the specialist listened with empathy, encouraging her to open up about what was causing her distress. Vivicka revealed that she had been sexually assaulted two days earlier by two men. She had tried to suppress the trauma by staying busy, but she was struggling to cope and unsure of her next steps.the specialist provided a safe, nonjudgmental space for vivicka and outlined the options available to her. They emphasized that any decision she made was entirely her own, offering information about the services provided by the crisis center, including sexual assault exams, trauma counseling, and advocacy support.initially, vivicka expressed apprehension about undergoing an exam, worried about what it might entail and the emotional journey it could bring. The specialist reassured her that it was okay to decline for now and informed her she had up to 72 hours to reconsider. With understanding and care, the specialist offered to connect her with counseling and follow-up services to ensure she felt supported.about an hour later, vivicka called 211 again. While nervous about retelling her story, she felt reassured by the compassion and empowerment shown by the second specialist. This time, she expressed a desire to move forward with scheduling a sexual assault exam.through her conversations with the 211 specialists, vivicka found clarity, understanding, and the strength to take her next steps. Most importantly, she realized she wasn't alone, and that compassionate support was just a call away.