Santa Cruz Public Libraries

Community Information Database

Friendship Line

General Agency Information
Name: Friendship Line
Alternate Name(s): Institute on Aging Friendship Line
Contact Information
Hotline: 800-971-0016
Website: https://www.ioaging.org/services/all-inclusive-health-care/friendship-line
Hours
Days/Hours of Operation: 24 Hours, 7 Days
Details
Description: The Friendship Line is both a crisis intervention hotline and a warmline for non-emergency emotional support calls. Founded in 1973 by Dr. Patrick Arbore, Director of IOA’s Center for Elderly Suicide Prevention, and accredited by the American Association of Suicidology, Friendship Line provides round-the-clock crisis support services including:

Providing emotional support
Elder abuse reporting
Well-being checks
Grief support through assistance and reassurance
Active suicide intervention

Information and referrals for isolated older adults, and adults living with disabilities
In addition to receiving incoming calls, Friendship Line also offers outreach to eligible callers. We connect with people on a regular basis, and help monitor their physical and mental health concerns. The call-out services act as an intervention to prevent suicide in the long term by improving the quality of life and connectedness of isolated callers. Any aging adult or person living with disabilities, who suffers from depression, loneliness, isolation, anxiousness, or may be thinking about death or suicide, can benefit from completely confidential phone calls with Friendship Line volunteers. Sometimes the road to happiness begins by simply saying hello to someone who cares.
Volunteer Info: Without the many wonderful volunteers that give their time to speak to our callers the Friendship Line would not exist. Trained volunteers at the Friendship Line make and receive calls to and from individuals who are either in crisis or just in need of a compassionate voice and listening ear.

Please visit the website for more information.
Languages other than English: Can Arrange for Others
Accommodations for Disabled Persons: Contact for Information
Public Transportation: Not Applicable
Eligibility: Adults 60 years and up
Fees: Not Applicable
Areas Served: California
Physical Location: San Francisco
Subject Headings
Subject Headings: Elder Abuse Reporting
Geriatric Counseling
Helplines/Warmlines
Information and Referral
Information and Referral Volunteer Opportunities
Mental Health Hotlines
Suicide Prevention Hotlines
This agency was last updated on April 1, 2020.