Service Hotlines for Idahoans 6/2010
The following are service hotlines that are located in Idaho or serve the State of Idaho.
911 Emergency Services – dial 9-1-1
Call 9-1-1 when you need help in an emergency, to get help for someone else in an emergency, if you see someone hurting themselves or someone else, if you smell smoke or see a fire, or you witness a crime such as burglary. 9-1-1 calls include help services provided by police, fire, and ambulance services. 9-1-1 is not for informational or non-emergency services.
Child Abuse Reporting – dial 2-1-1 or 1-800-926-2588
In Idaho, child abuse is reported according to the region of Idaho where the abused or neglected child is located. Call 2-1-1 to be connected to the appropriate regional Child Protection Services in Idaho. Child protection Services investigate allegations of abuse or neglect of children and initiate the appropriate actions. If a child is in imminent danger or the child is being presently abused, dial 911. Or for national child abuse reporting, call the Childhelp National Child Abuse Hotline at 1-800-4-A-CHILD (1-800-422-4453). Online, go to: www.childhelpusa.org
Elder Abuse Reporting – dial 2-1-1 or 1-800-926-2588
Elder abuse reports are taken by the Idaho Commission on Aging. Adult Protection Services through the Idaho Commission on Aging (http://www.idahoaging.com/programs/ps_adultprotect.htm) investigate allegations of abuse, neglect, and exploitation involving vulnerable adults and takes remedial actions to protect older adults. Call 2-1-1 to be connected to your regional Commission on Aging office. If an elder is in imminent danger or is being presently abused, dial 911.
Idaho Safe Haven – dial 2-1-1 or 1-800-926-2588
Individuals who want to safely surrender a newborn with no fear of arrest or prosecution, as long as the baby has not been abused or neglected, can take a baby to a SafeHaven. The following people or places are SafeHavens: hospitals and clinics; doctors and doctor’s offices; nurse practitioners; physician’s assistants; or ambulance personnel. Call 2-1-1 to be connected to hospitals in your area.
Idaho Suicide Prevention Hotline – dial 1-800-273-TALK (1-800-273-8255)
Provides suicide prevention counseling 24 hours a day for all of Idaho. All calls are made on a confidential basis. The Suicide Hotline is answered by volunteers. This organization also provides certified training for people interested in becoming a volunteer. Online, go to: http://suicidepreventionlifeline.org. For more information about Suicide Prevention in Idaho , go to the Idaho Suicide Prevention Research Project resources website at http://idahosuicide.info/Resources.aspx.
Idaho State Domestic Violence Hotline – dial 1-800-669-3176
Domestic violence is physical, mental, sexual, financial, verbal and emotional abuse in an intimate partner relationship. It occurs when one person uses abusive tactics to gain power and control over a partner or former partner. The Idaho State Domestic Violence Hotline can help you learn about available services, think through your options, and find temporary shelter. Nationally, call 1-800-799-7233 or online go to: www.ndvh.org .
Project Inform – dial 1-800-822-7422
Project Inform is a national HIV/AIDS hotline. Provides information on HIV/AIDS testing and an HIV/AIDS support line. Online, go to: www.projinf.org
Idaho Housing Hotline – dial 1-877-438-4472
The Idaho Housing Hotline offers a free Housing Information and Referral Center for consumers, service providers and advocates seeking housing solutions. Online, go to: www.ihfa.org/research_hirc.asp
National Center for Missing & Exploited Children (NCMEC) – dial 1-800-843-5678
The National Center for Missing and Exploited Children helps search for missing children. Online, go to: www.missingkids.com
To find out more information about hotlines in your area, you can call the 2-1-1 Idaho CareLine by dialing 2-1-1 or 1-800-926-2588. You can also search for additional information in the 2-1-1 Idaho CareLine online database.