The FirstLink care and support program is here to support the emotional and physical safety of those at risk for suicide or who may be impacted by substance use.
The Care and Support program offers research-informed, supportive interventions from studies on suicide prevention, access to treatment, and continuity of care. Participants may be referred from partnering hospitals and clinics across North Dakota as well as the 211 Helpline and the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.
The care and support program is intended for individuals who have recently experienced a suicide crisis, psychiatric hospitalization, or those seeking substance use treatment. Phone calls are tailored to the individual’s need, they are structured and focus on the participant‘s recovery goals with regular assessment of barriers and risk.
The FirstLink Care and Support Program:
- Strengthens connections to supportive resources through phone calls, caring cards, letters, or texts.
- Engages, supports, and encourages participation in behavioral health and recovery support.
- Provides ongoing review or development of harm reduction and safety plans with an emphasis on promoting healthy coping strategies.
- Provides crisis de-escalation or intervention, when needed.
- Informs and encourages appropriate use of services through resources with warm hand–offs when appropriate.
If you need care and support, please simply dial