Disaster Distress Helpline

What to Expect

Calling the 988 Lifeline

Here is what you can expect when making a call to the 988 Lifeline.
Step 1 of 5

First, you’ll hear a message that gives you service selection options.

Listen to the pre-recorded message (mp3).
Step 2 of 5

We’ll play some hold music while you are connected to a counselor with our Spanish-language, LGBTQI+ services, or your local 988 Lifeline contact center. For veterans, the phone will ring until a counselor can answer your call.
Step 3 of 5

A counselor will say hello and introduce themselves.
Step 4 of 5

Your skilled counselor will ask you if you are safe.
Step 5 of 5

After they ask about your safety, your counselor will listen to you, understand how your problem is affecting you, provide support, and share any resources that may be helpful.

DEAF HOTLINE

Domestic Violence Crisis Support for Deaf Survivors — Confidential · ASL-Accessible · FREE

“Accessibility, confidentiality, and integrity are of great importance to our services. Our advocacy is survivor-centric.”

CALL: 1-855-812-1001

For Deaf and Hard of Hearing Survivors of Domestic Violence, Sexual Assault, Stalking, and Abuse

CRISIS SUPPORT LINE

24/7 Deaf Survivors ASL Hotline

Reach a culturally-adept, trained advocate in American Sign Language at any hour of the day or night — call 1-855-812-1001. Whether you need safety planning, crisis intervention, emotional support, or just have questions about your situation, advocates are here for you. Available 24 hours a day · 7 days a week · FREE · Confidential.

ONLINE RESOURCES & GUIDES

Healthy Relationships — ASL Educational Materials

Browse ASL video resources on building and maintaining healthy relationships. Visit deafhotline.org to access the full library. Available 24 hours a day · 7 days a week · FREE.

About Abuse — Anti-Abuse Education

Explore accessible information on domestic violence, sexual assault, harassment, stalking, and other forms of abuse. Available 24 hours a day · 7 days a week · FREE. Visit deafhotline.org.

Safety Planning Resources

Access practical tips for creating a safety plan to de-escalate a crisis or leave an abusive relationship safely. Available 24 hours a day · 7 days a week · FREE. Visit deafhotline.org.

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES

deafhotline.org — Main website: crisis support, education, safety planning, and contact form for Deaf survivors

thehotline.org — National Domestic Violence Hotline — broader DV resources and referrals (partner organization)

adwas.org — Abused Deaf Women’s Advocacy Services (ADWAS) — local advocacy, shelter, and support services for Deaf survivors in Washington State

ABOUT DEAF HOTLINE

The Deaf Hotline — formally the National Deaf Hotline of ADWAS — is a partnership between Abused Deaf Women’s Advocacy Services (ADWAS) and the National Domestic Violence Hotline, serving Deaf survivors locally in Washington State and nationally since 2003. In 2017 the hotline expanded to full 24/7 availability and has since produced educational materials and provided trainings for advocates and service providers. Deaf Hotline advocates specialize in culturally-competent, survivor-centric crisis support, safety planning, relationship education, and referrals — all in American Sign Language.

DISCLAIMER: All services listed are confidential and completely free. Information is shared as a courtesy and is not a substitute for legal advice, professional treatment, or emergency services. If a person is in immediate danger, call 911 or contact local law enforcement. For mental health emergencies, call or text 988 (Suicide & Crisis Lifeline).

CRISIS TEXT LINE

Text Connect to 741741 for free confidential Support

Crisis Text Line serves anyone facing mental health challenges, providing access to free, 24/7, confidential support through communication channels people know and trust.

OREGON STATEWIDE WEATHER & FIRE CONDITIONS

Public Safety Resource · Weather Alerts · Fire Danger · Air Quality · Flooding

“Know the hazard. Find the right resource. Stay safe.”

All resources listed are free and publicly available · Verify current conditions directly with official sources below

CALL 911

For anyone experiencing an active wildfire, flooding, or immediate threat to life or property

CALL OR TEXT 988

For anyone in emotional distress or mental health crisis related to a disaster or evacuation · Free · Confidential · 24/7

YOUR FIRST THREE STEPS WHEN A HAZARD IS POSSIBLE

1 · Check NWS Active Alerts for Oregon  NWS Oregon Active Alerts

Every active watch, warning, and advisory in Oregon — in one place. Check here first whenever you hear about a hazard in your area.

2 · Check Your Fire Danger Level and Burn Restrictions  ODF Fire Restrictions Interactive Map

Tap your location on the interactive map to see your local fire danger level and whether any burn restrictions apply. Works on mobile. Check before any outdoor burning — any time of year.

3 · Sign Up for County Emergency Alerts  Oregon Emergency Alert Registration

Register your phone and home address so wildfire, flood, and evacuation alerts reach you directly — without having to check anything. Takes less than two minutes.

NWS ALERT TYPE DEFINITIONS

When a hazard is issued for your area, it will carry one of these labels. Knowing what each term means tells you how urgently to act.

🔴  WARNING

Hazardous conditions are occurring or imminent. Take protective action NOW — do not wait.

🟡  WATCH

Conditions are favorable for a hazard to develop. Prepare now and monitor updates closely.

🟠  ADVISORY

Conditions will be hazardous but below warning thresholds. Use extra caution outdoors.

🔵  SPECIAL WEATHER STATEMENT

Noteworthy conditions that require public awareness but do not meet warning or advisory thresholds. Stay aware and check for updates.

🏖  BEACH HAZARDS STATEMENT

Dangerous ocean or beach conditions — sneaker waves, rip currents, or extreme surf. Stay well back from the water’s edge regardless of how calm the ocean looks.

🔥  RED FLAG WARNING

Critical fire weather: low humidity + high winds + dry fuels = extreme fire danger. No outdoor burning of any kind. Avoid all spark-producing activity.

🌊  SMALL CRAFT ADVISORY

Hazardous conditions for small vessels. Inexperienced mariners should stay off coastal and Columbia River Bar waters until the advisory expires.

💧  FLOOD WATCH

Flooding is possible. Prepare now — know your evacuation route and monitor river gauge levels.

💧  FLOOD WARNING

Flooding is occurring or imminent. Move to higher ground now. Turn Around, Don’t Drown — never drive through a flooded road.

FIRE DANGER LEVELS — WHAT THEY MEAN

The Oregon Department of Forestry uses a five-level fire danger scale. Your local level determines which activities may be restricted on public and private forestlands. Danger levels can vary significantly over short distances — always check your specific location on the ODF map before any outdoor burning or spark-producing activity.

• LOW

Fires are unlikely to start or spread rapidly. Normal outdoor caution applies.

• MODERATE

Fires can start and spread under dry or windy conditions. Use caution near any ignition source outdoors.

• HIGH

Fires start easily and spread quickly. Check ODF burn restrictions before any outdoor burning. Debris fires must be fully extinguished — never left to smolder.

• VERY HIGH

Fires start very easily from almost any spark. Outdoor burning is typically prohibited. Check ODF restrictions for your specific location before any outdoor activity.

• EXTREME

Maximum fire danger. Any fire can quickly become uncontrollable. All outdoor burning prohibited. Avoid all spark-producing activity entirely.

Check your current fire danger level and burn restrictions:  ODF Fire Restrictions Interactive Map

OREGON SEASONAL HAZARD GUIDE

Oregon faces different hazards throughout the year. Use this guide to know what to watch for in any given season and which resources to check most closely.

❄  WINTER — December through February

Ice storms and freezing rain in the Willamette Valley · Heavy snow in the Cascades and eastern Oregon · Coastal wind events and large surf · Sneaker waves year-round · River flooding from rain-on-snow events

🌱  SPRING — March through May

Early Red Flag fire weather as fuels dry before green-up · Snowmelt flooding along Cascade-fed rivers · Prescribed burn smoke · High surf and sneaker waves on the coast

🔥  SUMMER — June through September

Wildfire season peaks statewide · Red Flag Warnings common in south-central and eastern Oregon · Smoke events affecting air quality across the state · Extreme heat in the Willamette Valley and eastern Oregon · Lightning-caused fires in the mountains

🍂  FALL — October through November

Wildfires may remain active into October · Coastal wind events return · Early ice and snow in the mountains · Transition back to rainy-season flooding risk · First major wind events of the season

REGIONAL HAZARD CONTEXT

Western Oregon & Portland Metro

Willamette Valley weather is generally mild but can shift quickly. Watch for winter ice storms and wind events that cause widespread power outages, summer heat waves, and river flooding during rain-on-snow events in the mountains. The Columbia River Gorge is a natural wind corridor — conditions there can be dramatically different from surrounding areas.

Oregon Coast

Sneaker waves are the leading cause of ocean drowning deaths on the Oregon coast and occur year-round — including on days when the surf appears completely calm. Stay well back from the water’s edge. Never turn your back on the ocean. Stay off rocks, jetties, and logs at the surf line at all times. Watch for NWS Beach Hazards Statements before any coastal visit. The Columbia River Bar is one of the most hazardous river mouths in North America — always check bar conditions with the U.S. Coast Guard before any crossing attempt.

South-Central Oregon — Lake, Klamath & Harney Counties

This region is among Oregon’s most fire-prone. Red Flag Warnings are common in spring and summer when low humidity, high winds, and dry grass create extreme ignition conditions. The pre-green-up period in late winter and early spring — before new vegetation replaces last year’s dead grass — is particularly dangerous. Even a small spark can start a fast-moving fire. Always check ODF restrictions before any outdoor burning or use of spark-producing equipment.

Central Oregon — Bend, Redmond, Prineville, Madras

Central Oregon’s dry high-desert climate means fire risk arrives early and persists late into the season. Prescribed burns on the Deschutes and Ochoco national forests and the Crooked River National Grassland can produce smoke affecting communities along the Highway 26 and Highway 97 corridors. Check air quality at oregon.gov/deq before extended outdoor activity whenever smoke is visible.

Eastern Oregon

Eastern Oregon faces both wildfire risk and flash flood potential. Summer thunderstorms over the Blue Mountains and Wallowas can produce lightning-caused fires and rapid runoff into steep canyon drainages. Rivers fed by east-slope snowpack — including the John Day, Malheur, Owyhee, and Deschutes — can rise quickly during spring snowmelt events. Check river gauges at water.noaa.gov before recreating near any waterway.

Southern Oregon — Rogue Valley, Medford, Ashland, Grants Pass

Southern Oregon sits in a fire-prone interface zone where forested mountains meet populated valleys. Fire season can begin as early as June and extend into October. Smoke from both Oregon and northern California wildfires regularly affects air quality in late summer. Years with below-average snowpack significantly increase fire risk beginning as early as spring.

WILDFIRE SMOKE & AIR QUALITY GUIDE

Wildfire smoke contains fine particles that penetrate deep into the lungs and cannot be filtered by an ordinary dust mask. Groups at elevated risk include children, older adults, pregnant women, and anyone with heart or lung conditions. Check air quality before any outdoor activity during a smoke event — conditions can change within hours.

Air Quality Index (AQI) — What the Colors Mean

• GREEN (0–50) — Good

Air quality is satisfactory. Outdoor activity is fine for everyone.

• YELLOW (51–100) — Moderate

Sensitive groups should consider limiting prolonged outdoor exertion.

• ORANGE (101–150) — Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups

Children, older adults, and anyone with heart or lung conditions should reduce time outdoors.

• RED (151–200) — Unhealthy

Everyone should reduce prolonged outdoor exertion. Sensitive groups should remain indoors.

• PURPLE (201–300) — Very Unhealthy

Avoid all outdoor activity. Keep windows and doors closed.

• MAROON (301+) — Hazardous

Health emergency conditions. Everyone should stay indoors with windows closed.

Simple indoor air filtration during a smoke event:  Tape a MERV-13 furnace filter to the back of a standard box fan. This creates an effective air cleaner at very low cost and is safe to run with windows closed.

Check current air quality:  Oregon DEQ Air Quality Index  ·  AirNow.gov  ·  OregonAIR Mobile App

NO CELL SERVICE OR INTERNET? USE NOAA WEATHER RADIO

A NOAA Weather Radio receiver broadcasts continuous NWS alerts, weather forecasts, fire weather warnings, and emergency messages 24 hours a day · 7 days a week on 162.400 – 162.550 MHz. It is the most reliable alert system for rural Oregon when cell coverage or internet is unavailable. A dedicated receiver is required — available at hardware and electronics retailers for under $30. Find the transmitter frequency for your location at weather.gov/nwr.

MONITOR & STAY INFORMED — COMPLETE RESOURCE LIST

All resources below are free and publicly available 24 hours a day · 7 days a week unless otherwise noted.

WEATHER — WATCHES, WARNINGS & FORECASTS

NWS Active Alerts — All of Oregon

Every active NWS watch, warning, and advisory currently in effect anywhere in Oregon — in one place. Check here first.

NWS Portland — Western Oregon

Current alerts and forecasts for the Portland metro, Willamette Valley, northern coast, and Columbia River Gorge.

NWS Medford — Southern Oregon

Alerts and forecasts for the Rogue Valley, Klamath Basin, Crater Lake area, and south-central Oregon.

NWS Pendleton — Eastern & Central Oregon

Alerts and forecasts for eastern Oregon, the Blue Mountains, Cascades east slopes, and the central Oregon high desert.

NOAA Marine Forecast — Oregon Coast

Coastal and offshore forecasts, small craft advisories, and Columbia River Bar conditions.

NOAA Weather Radio Frequency Finder

Find your local 162 MHz NOAA Weather Radio frequency. Continuous 24/7 NWS broadcasts — the most reliable alert system when cell coverage or internet fails.

FIRE DANGER, RESTRICTIONS & ACTIVE WILDFIRES

ODF Fire Danger & Burn Restrictions Map

Interactive map — tap or click your location to see your current fire danger level and active burn restrictions. Works on mobile. Check before any outdoor burning.

Oregon Dept. of Forestry — Fire & Weather

Official ODF fire weather forecasts, statewide danger ratings, and fire news and press releases.

Before You Burn — Debris Burning Check

Check daily whether outdoor debris burning is allowed in your area before lighting anything. Debris burning is the leading cause of human-caused wildfires in Oregon.

BLM Oregon & Washington — Fire Restrictions

Fire restrictions for Bureau of Land Management lands. Note: BLM restrictions may differ from ODF restrictions on adjacent land — check both for your location.

InciWeb — Active Oregon Wildfires

Active wildfire locations, acreage, containment status, road closures, and evacuation orders across Oregon.

Northwest Interagency Coordination Center

Regional fire situation reports and preparedness levels for Oregon and Washington.

AIR QUALITY & WILDFIRE SMOKE

Oregon DEQ — Air Quality Index

Real-time statewide air quality readings. Check before outdoor activity during any smoke event — especially for children, older adults, and anyone with heart or lung conditions.

AirNow.gov — Federal Air Quality

Current and forecast AQI by location. Includes smoke forecasts during wildfire events. Available 24 hours a day · 7 days a week.

OregonAIR Mobile App

Free mobile app for real-time Oregon air quality readings and alerts. Available for iOS and Android.

FLOODING & RIVER LEVELS

NOAA River Levels & Flood Monitoring

Live river gauge readings, flood stage forecasts, and inundation maps for rivers across Oregon. Enter any river name or city. Available 24 hours a day · 7 days a week.

EMERGENCY ALERTS & PREPAREDNESS

Oregon Emergency Alerts — Sign Up

Register your phone and address to receive county emergency alerts for wildfires, floods, and evacuations directly — without having to seek them out.

Oregon Office of Emergency Management

Statewide emergency preparedness resources, disaster declarations, and guidance for individuals, families, and communities.

Oregon Emergency Management — Make a Plan

Step-by-step guidance for building a household emergency plan, go-bag, and communication strategy before a disaster strikes.

KEY PHONE NUMBERS

Save these numbers before a disaster occurs. Cell networks may be congested during an active emergency.

Life-Safety Emergency

CALL: 911

For anyone experiencing or witnessing an active wildfire, flooding, structure fire, or any immediate threat to life or property.

Mental Health Crisis Line

CALL OR TEXT: 988

For anyone in emotional distress or mental health crisis related to a disaster or evacuation. Free · Confidential · Available 24 hours a day · 7 days a week.

Oregon Emergency Management — Duty Officer

CALL: 1-503-378-2911

For local emergency managers and public officials requesting state assistance during an active emergency or declared disaster.

NWS Portland — Western Oregon Recorded Forecast

CALL: 503-261-9246

For anyone in the Portland metro, Willamette Valley, or northern coast. Recorded forecast updated several times daily.

NWS Medford — Southern Oregon

CALL: 541-773-1067

For anyone in southern Oregon or the Rogue Valley seeking a current recorded forecast.

NWS Pendleton — Eastern & Central Oregon

CALL: 541-276-4493

For anyone in eastern or central Oregon seeking a current recorded forecast.

Central Oregon Fire Information Line

CALL: 1-800-523-4737

For anyone in central Oregon seeking current fire danger levels, active burn restrictions, or incident information.

NOAA Weather Radio

162.400 – 162.550 MHz  (receiver required)

For anyone in a rural area without reliable cell or internet coverage. A dedicated weather radio receiver is required — available at hardware and electronics retailers. Find your local frequency at weather.gov/nwr. Available 24 hours a day · 7 days a week.

PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS YOU CAN TAKE NOW

Sign Up for Emergency Alerts

Register at Oregon Emergency Alert Registration — oralert.gov to receive county alerts for wildfires, floods, and evacuations directly on your phone. Also enable Wireless Emergency Alerts in your phone’s notification settings — these require no registration and can reach you even without data service.

Know Your Evacuation Route

Identify at least two ways out of your neighborhood before a disaster occurs. One route may be blocked by fire or floodwater. Know where you would go and how you would reach family members if you are separated. In a fast-moving wildfire, there may be very little warning time — have your plan ready now.

Build a Go-Bag

Keep a ready bag near your door or in your vehicle during fire season. Include: prescription medications and medical supplies · copies of important documents · phone charger and backup battery · water and food for three days · cash · a change of clothing · N95 masks for smoke protection. A go-bag prepared in advance saves critical time during an emergency evacuation.

For Outdoor Burns — Check Before You Light

Debris burning is the leading cause of human-caused wildfires in Oregon — and any escaped fire can result in full liability for suppression costs, which can reach millions of dollars. Before any outdoor burn, check BeforeYouBurn.com and the ODF Fire Restrictions Map. When in doubt, do not burn.

Turn Around, Don’t Drown

Never drive through a flooded road — even if it looks passable. Just six inches of moving water can knock a person off their feet. Two feet of water can carry away most vehicles. If a road ahead is flooded, turn around and find another route. Most flood-related deaths in Oregon occur in vehicles.

Check on Neighbors

Older adults, people with disabilities, and those who live alone may not receive alerts or may need help evacuating. Check on neighbors before a known hazard arrives in your area.

DISCLAIMER: Information is shared solely as a public courtesy. All resources listed are publicly available through official government agencies. This document is not a product of, nor endorsed by, the National Weather Service, Oregon Department of Forestry, Oregon Emergency Management, or any other agency listed. Content is subject to change — always verify current conditions directly with official sources before making any decisions. This is not a substitute for official emergency broadcasts, professional weather services, or instructions from local emergency management authorities. If a person is in immediate danger, call 911. For mental health emergencies, call or text 988 (Suicide & Crisis Lifeline) — free · confidential · available 24 hours a day · 7 days a week. All services listed are free and publicly available.

WILDFIRE AND AIR QUALITY RESOURCES FOR OREGONIANS, 2025

Prevention, Preparation, Response, and Recovery

PREVENTION

Human-Caused Risk: Over 70% of wildfires in Oregon are human-caused. You can help prevent them:

Keep Oregon Green: https://keeporegongreen.org/

Campfires and Burn Pits: https://www.oregon.gov/osp/programs/fire/Pages/burn-ban.aspx

Restrictions and Closures: https://www.oregon.gov/odf/fire/pages/restrictions.aspx

Defensible Spaces for Your Home: https://www.oregon.gov/odf/fire/pages/defensiblespace.aspx

PREPARATION

Make a Plan: https://www.ready.gov/wildfires

Sign Up for Emergency Alerts: https://oralert.gov/

Track Fires and Air Quality (ODF): https://www.oregon.gov/odf/fire/pages/firestats.aspx

Track Fires and Air Quality (AirNow): https://fire.airnow.gov/

DIY Air Cleaners: https://www.epa.gov/indoor-air-quality-iaq/diy-air-cleaner-reduce-wildfire-smoke-indoors-infographic

Oregon Resilience Hubs: https://www.oregon.gov/odhs/emergency-management/pages/resilience-grants.aspx

RESPONSE

Understanding Evacuation Levels: https://wildfire.oregon.gov/pages/evacuations.aspx

Evacuation Checklist: https://www.redcross.org/get-help/how-to-prepare-for-emergencies/types-of-emergencies/wildfire.html

Shelter and Housing Support:
– Call 211 or 833-669-0554 for shelter and navigation help
– Text SHELTER + your ZIP code to 43362
– Text DRC + your ZIP code to 43362 to find Disaster Recovery Centers

Livestock & Animal Sheltering Info: https://www.oregon.gov/odhs/emergency-management/Pages/wildfire-resources-partners.aspx

RECOVERY

Disaster Case Management: https://www.oregon.gov/odhs/emergency-management/Pages/wildfire-resources-partners.aspx

Returning to Property – OSU: https://extension.oregonstate.edu/catalog/pub/em9404-s-c

Returning to Property – DEQ: https://www.oregon.gov/deq/FilterDocs/wildfirecleanupguide.pdf

ODF Land Restoration Resources: https://www.oregon.gov/odf/fire/pages/firestats.aspx

Renters’ Recovery Resources: https://www.oregon.gov/odhs/emergency-management/Pages/wildfire-resources-partners.aspx

SAMHSA Disaster Helpline: https://www.samhsa.gov/find-help/disaster-distress-helpline

988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: https://988lifeline.org/

Additional Mental Health Resources:

Oregon Behavioral Health Support Line: tel:8009234357

Crisis Text Line: https://www.crisistextline.org/

Workplace Violence

Assistance,Training, Information, Links

Responding To Violence

LINK: State of Oregon, Dept. of Justice (ODOJ), Victim Assistance Program / Crime Victim & Survivor Services 

PHONE: 503-378-5348 Ext. 1

LINK: Oregon Department of Justice, Crime Victim Compensation Program

How to Cope with Self Harm

Text Connect to 741741 for free confidential Support

We all need healthy ways to cope with the hard stuff. We’re here to help you find a healthy alternative to self-harm.

Understanding Self-Harm

For some people, when depression and anxiety lead to a tornado of emotions, they turn to self-harm looking for a release. Self-harm and self-injury are any forms of hurting oneself to cope. Sometimes, when people self-harm, they do not do so as a suicide attempt. Rather, they inflict pain as a way to release painful emotions.

Common Types of Self-Harm

Self-harm can manifest differently for everyone. And, the ways people may inflict harm upon themselves extend far beyond the usual news media references such as cutting. Simply, self-harm is anything and everything someone can do to purposely hurt their body.

Here are some of the most common types of self-injury:

• Cutting
• Scratching
• Burning
• Carving words or symbols into the skin
• Hitting or punching oneself (including banging one’s head or other body parts against another surface)
• Piercing the skin with sharp objects such as hairpins
• Pulling out hair
• Picking at existing wounds

Recognizing the Signs of Self-Harm

Stigma creates shame and embarrassment, making it hard for people who self harm to get help. So, look out for yourself and for your pals. If you suspect that someone in your life is doing it, here are some warning signs to keep top of mind:

• Scars
• Fresh cuts, burns, scratches, or bruises
• Rubbing an area excessively to create a burn
• Having sharp objects on hand
• Wearing long sleeves or long pants, even in hot weather
• Difficulties with interpersonal relationships
• Persistent questions about personal identity
• Behavioral and emotional instability, impulsiveness, or unpredictability
• Saying that they feel helpless, hopeless, or worthless

Crisis Text Line can help you deal with self-injury. Text a Crisis Counselor at 741741, or use the mobile text button below.

How to Cope With Self-Harm

Emotions can be really painful sometimes. It’s totally normal to need ways to cope with and process the hard things in your life. If you are using harming yourself to manage your emotions, we’re here for you. And, we want to help keep you safe.

Here are some ways to push through, process, and cope with your emotions.

• Text someone you trust or a counselor to help you cool down. If you’re dealing with painful emotions, we’re here to help. Send us a text to connect with a real human and strategize healthy coping mechanisms to manage your emotions. Text CONNECT to 741741 to  reach a real human.
• Get creative.  Did you know that  making art can help people process emotions? So, next time you’re feeling like harming yourself, grab your sharpie and doodle your worries away. A bonus: you can totally suck at it and still reap the same rewards.
• Meditate or breathe deeply. Keeping yourself safe from self-injury is all about finding healthy alternatives to work through the hard stuff. Researchers found taking time to re-center through meditation to be a powerful way to find your cool and calm. Try using an app like Headspace to get on the meditation bandwagon.
• Talk to a professional. Self-injury of any form is serious. And, while the intention behind self-injury usually is not death, it can still be dangerous—both physically and emotionally. Talking to someone who can help you find alternatives is incredibly important. Of course, you can start by texting us. Also, consider telling someone you know who can help you connect with a professional.

Why Do People Self-Harm?

Let’s start with this: everyone needs a way to cope with their emotions. People who have turned to hurting themselves as their coping mechanism to manage their emotions.

So, people might self-harm to:

• Process difficult emotions
• Distract themselves from their negative feelings
• Feel something physical, particularly if they are feeling numb
• Develop a sense of control over their lives
• Punish themselves for perceived faults
• Express emotions that they are unable to share

Effects of Self-Harm

Self-harm can be seriously dangerous—physically, emotionally, socially, all of it.

Physical Effects of Self-Harm

• Permanent scars
• Uncontrolled bleeding
• Risk of infection or severe injury

Emotional Effects of Self-Harm

• Guilt, shame, or emotional numbness
• A diminished sense of self, including feeling helpless or worthless
• Addiction to the behavior

Social Effects of Self-Harm

• Avoiding friends and loved ones
• Becoming ostracized from loved ones who may not understand
• Interpersonal difficulty from lying to others about injuries

Recovering from Self-Harm

A lot of people who self-harm do so because they are dealing with painful emotions. If this applies to you—we believe in you and recognize your pain. Because painful emotions are at the root of it, quite often recovering involves addressing emotions.

Breaking away from the cycle of harming yourself can feel like a huge climb. It involves breaking a habit that has once brought comfort from pain. But, it is not impossible. Here are some steps to set you up for success:

• Understand your triggers. Name your reason for hurting yourself and your reason for quitting. Ask yourself: “What do I feel before, during, and after self-injury? Which of those emotions do I actively seek out, and which are harmful?”
• Replace harmful behaviors. For example, if you harm yourself for the physical sensation, seek other ways of releasing endorphins, like exercise. For real, try throwing a few punches at a kickboxing class or tapping it back in a spin class with the *perfect* playlist. If you SH to express your emotions, practice expressing them in words by writing them down. Grab a pen and your favorite notebook, or start typing away in your notes app.
• Address underlying emotions. Explore the feelings that lead you to want to hurt yourself. If it’s guilt, where is that guilt coming from? Maybe try finding a therapist—there are pros trained specifically to help with this.
• Build a support system. Let a friend, family member, or trusted adult know what you’re going through and that you need their support. Opening up to people can be easier said than done. Here’s a place to start: “I’m having a hard time processing some painful emotions and I could use your support right now.”

Getting healthy—both in your brain and in your body—takes hard work. You got this. And, we believe in you.

Text a Crisis Counselor at 741471 or use the mobile click to text button below.  Crisis Text Line is free, 24/7 and confidential. You’re not alone.

Increasing Outreach to Teens

​Teens are more connected than ever ​before and the Boys Town National Hotline^® at 800-448-3000 is right there with them.

In addition to calling, teens can now text VOICE to 20121 or email [email protected] any day, any time to speak with a trained counselor.

Online resources are also available at yourlifeyourvoice.org.

1 (800) 604-5841

BlackLine® provides a space for peer support, counseling, witnessing and affirming the lived experiences to folxs who are most impacted by systematic oppression with an LGBTQ+ Black Femme Lens.

Call BlackLine® prioritizes BIPOC
(Black, Indigenous and People of Color).By us for us.

HIV/AIDS Crisis and Information Lines — United States & Territories

Updated Nov 1, 2025

National (U.S.)
CDC-INFO HIV/STD Hotline — 800-232-4636
Available 24 hours / 7 days
Sponsor: U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Website: https://www.cdc.gov/info
Provider Phone: TTY 888-232-6348

Alabama
HIV/AIDS Hotline — 800-228-0469
Available Mon–Fri, 6 AM–3 PM (PST)
Sponsor: Alabama Department of Public Health — HIV/AIDS Program
Website: https://www.alabamapublichealth.gov/hiv/contact.html
Provider Phone: (not listed)

Alaska
HIV/STD Program (Section of Epidemiology) — 907-269-8000
Available Mon–Fri, 9 AM–6 PM (PST) (8–5 AKT)
Sponsor: Alaska Department of Health — HIV/STD Program
Website: https://health.alaska.gov/dph/Epi/hivstd
Provider Phone: 907-269-8000

Arizona
HIV & Hepatitis C Program — 602-542-1025
Available Mon–Fri, 7 AM–4 PM (PST) (8–5 MT)
Sponsor: Arizona Department of Health Services (ADHS)
Website: https://www.azdhs.gov/preparedness/epidemiology-disease-control/hiv-std/index.php
Provider Phone: 602-542-1025

Ryan White Part A — 602-212-3788
Available Mon–Fri, 7 AM–4 PM (PST)
Sponsor: ADHS / Ryan White Program
Website: https://www.azdhs.gov/preparedness/epidemiology-disease-control/hiv-std/index.php
Provider Phone: 602-212-3788

ADAP (Drug Assistance) — 602-364-3610
Available Mon–Fri, 7 AM–4 PM (PST)
Sponsor: ADHS / ADAP
Website: https://www.azdhs.gov/preparedness/epidemiology-disease-control/hiv-std/index.php
Provider Phone: 602-364-3610

Arkansas
HIV Prevention Program — 800-462-0599
Available Mon–Fri, 6 AM–2:30 PM (PST) (8–4:30 CT)
Sponsor: Arkansas Department of Health
Website: https://healthy.arkansas.gov/programs-services/topics/hiv-std-hepatitis
Provider Phone: (not listed)

California
Office of AIDS — 916-449-5900
Available Mon–Fri, 8 AM–5 PM (PST)
Sponsor: California Department of Public Health (CDPH), Office of AIDS
Website: https://www.cdph.ca.gov/Programs/CID/DOA
Provider Phone: 916-449-5900

Colorado
HIV/STI Program — 303-692-2700
Available Mon–Fri, 7 AM–4 PM (PST) (8–5 MT)
Sponsor: Colorado Department of Public Health & Environment
Website: https://cdphe.colorado.gov/diseases-a-to-z/hiv-sti
Provider Phone: 303-692-2700

ADAP — 303-692-2716
Available Mon–Fri, 7 AM–4 PM (PST)
Sponsor: CDPHE / ADAP
Website: https://cdphe.colorado.gov/diseases-a-to-z/hiv-sti
Provider Phone: 303-692-2716

Connecticut
HIV Prevention Program (via CDC-INFO coverage) — 800-232-4636
Available 24 hours
Sponsor: Connecticut Department of Public Health
Website: https://portal.ct.gov/dph/aids
Provider Phone: (not listed)

Delaware
HIV/AIDS Program — 800-422-0429
Available Daily, 6 AM–6 PM (PST) (9 AM–9 PM ET)
Sponsor: Delaware Division of Public Health
Website: https://dhss.delaware.gov/dph/dpc/std.html
Provider Phone: (not listed)

District of Columbia
Pharmacy Benefits Program (ADAP) — 202-671-4815
Available Mon–Fri, 5 AM–2 PM (PST) (8–5 ET)
Sponsor: DC Health — HAHSTA
Website: https://doh.dc.gov/service/pharmacy-benefits-program
Provider Phone: 202-671-4815

Florida
Florida AIDS Hotline (English) — 800-352-2437
Available 24 hours
Sponsor: Florida Department of Health
Website: https://floridaaids.org
Provider Phone: TTY 888-503-7118

Florida AIDS Hotline (Spanish) — 800-545-7432
Available 24 hours
Sponsor: Florida Department of Health
Website: https://floridaaids.org
Provider Phone: TTY 888-503-7118

Florida AIDS Hotline (Haitian Creole) — 800-243-7101
Available 24 hours
Sponsor: Florida Department of Health
Website: https://floridaaids.org
Provider Phone: TTY 888-503-7118

Georgia
Georgia AIDS & STI InfoLine (statewide) — 800-551-2728
Available Mon–Fri, 5:30 AM–4 PM (PST) (8:30 AM–7 PM ET)
Sponsor: AID Atlanta (in partnership with GA DPH)
Website: https://aidatlanta.org
Provider Phone: 404-876-9944 (local)

Hawaii
STI/HIV Clinics (main line) — 808-733-9281
Available Mon–Fri, 10 AM–6 PM (PST) (8–4 HT)
Sponsor: Hawaiʻi Department of Health — Harm Reduction Services Branch
Website: https://health.hawaii.gov/harmreduction
Provider Phone: 808-733-9281

Idaho
HIV/AIDS Program — 800-284-2437
Available Mon–Fri, 8 AM–5 PM (PST) (9–6 MT)
Sponsor: Idaho Department of Health & Welfare
Website: https://healthandwelfare.idaho.gov
Provider Phone: (not listed)

Illinois
HIV/STD Hotline — 800-243-2437
Available Mon–Fri, 6 AM–3 PM (PST) (9–5 CT)
Sponsor: Illinois Department of Public Health
Website: https://dph.illinois.gov/topics-services/diseases-and-conditions/hiv-aids
Provider Phone: TTY 800-782-0423

Indiana
HIV Medical Services Office — 866-588-4948
Available Mon–Fri, 5 AM–1 PM (PST) (8–4 ET)
Sponsor: Indiana Department of Health
Website: https://www.in.gov/health/hiv-std-viral-hepatitis
Provider Phone: 866-588-4948

Iowa
HIV/STI/Hepatitis Program — 515-725-2838
Available Mon–Fri, 6 AM–2:30 PM (PST) (8–4:30 CT)
Sponsor: Iowa Health & Human Services
Website: https://hhs.iowa.gov/hiv
Provider Phone: 515-725-2838

Kansas
STI/HIV Section — 785-296-6174
Available Mon–Fri, 6 AM–3 PM (PST) (8–5 CT)
Sponsor: Kansas Department of Health & Environment
Website: https://www.kdhe.ks.gov/896
Provider Phone: 785-296-6174

Kentucky
Kentucky HIV Hotline — 844-294-2448
Available 24 hours
Sponsor: Kentucky Department for Public Health
Website: https://chfs.ky.gov/agencies/dph/dehp/Pages/hiv-aids.aspx
Provider Phone: 844-294-2448

Louisiana
STI/HIV Program — 800-992-4379
Available Mon–Sat, 8 AM–6 PM (PST) (10 AM–8 PM CT)
Sponsor: Louisiana Department of Health
Website: https://ldh.la.gov/page/923
Provider Phone: TTY 877-566-9448

Maine
HIV/STD Program — 800-851-2437
Available Mon–Fri, 6 AM–3 PM (PST) (9–5 ET)
Sponsor: Maine CDC (DHHS)
Website: https://www.maine.gov/dhhs/mecdc/infectious-disease/hiv-std
Provider Phone: (not listed)

Maryland
Syphilis & HIV Referral Hotline — 800-456-2323
Available Mon–Fri, 5 AM–2 PM (PST) (8 AM–5 PM ET)
Sponsor: Maryland Department of Health (MDH)
Website: https://health.maryland.gov/phpa/oideor
Provider Phone: (not listed)

Legacy/Agency Contact — 800-358-9001
Available Mon–Fri, 5 AM–2 PM (PST)
Sponsor: Maryland Department of Health
Website: https://health.maryland.gov/phpa/oideor
Provider Phone: TTY 800-232-6348

Massachusetts
AIDS Hotline — 800-235-2331
Available Mon–Fri, 6 AM–2 PM (PST) (9–5 ET)
Sponsor: Massachusetts Department of Public Health — Office of HIV/AIDS
Website: https://www.mass.gov/orgs/office-of-hiv-aids
Provider Phone: 617-983-6550

Michigan
HIV/AIDS Hotline — 800-872-2437
Available Mon–Fri, 6 AM–3 PM (PST) (9–5 ET)
Sponsor: Michigan Department of Health & Human Services
Website: https://www.michigan.gov/mdhhs/keep-mi-healthy/hivstdaids
Provider Phone: (not listed)

Minnesota
HIV Info Line (statewide) — 800-248-2437
Available Mon–Fri, 7 AM–3 PM (PST) (9–5 CT)
Sponsor: Minnesota Department of Health
Website: https://www.health.state.mn.us/diseases/hiv
Provider Phone: 612-373-2437 (local)

Mississippi
HIV/STD Program — 601-576-7723
Available Mon–Fri, 6 AM–3 PM (PST) (8–5 CT)
Sponsor: Mississippi State Department of Health
Website: https://msdh.ms.gov/page/43,0,93.html
Provider Phone: 601-576-7723

Missouri
Bureau of HIV, STD, and Hepatitis — 573-751-6439
Available Mon–Fri, 6 AM–3 PM (PST) (8–5 CT)
Sponsor: Missouri Department of Health & Senior Services
Website: https://health.mo.gov/living/healthcondiseases/communicable/stds
Provider Phone: 573-751-6439

Montana
HIV/STD Program — 406-444-3565
Available Mon–Fri, 7 AM–4 PM (PST) (8–5 MT)
Sponsor: Montana DPHHS
Website: https://dphhs.mt.gov/publichealth/hivstd
Provider Phone: 406-444-3565

Nebraska
HIV/STD Program — 402-471-3121
Available Mon–Fri, 6 AM–3 PM (PST) (8–5 CT)
Sponsor: Nebraska DHHS
Website: https://dhhs.ne.gov/Pages/HIV-AIDS.aspx
Provider Phone: TDD 800-833-7352

Nevada
HIV Prevention Program — 775-684-4200
Available Mon–Fri, 8 AM–5 PM (PST)
Sponsor: Nevada DPBH
Website: https://dpbh.nv.gov/Programs/OPHIE/HIV/HIV_Prevention_Program
Provider Phone: 775-684-4200

New Hampshire
NH CARE Program (Ryan White) — 800-852-3345 ext. 4502
Available Mon–Fri, 5 AM–1 PM (PST) (8–4 ET)
Sponsor: New Hampshire DHHS
Website: https://www.dhhs.nh.gov/programs-services/disease-prevention/hiv-std-hepatitis
Provider Phone: (not listed)

New Jersey
NJ AIDS/HIV/STD Hotline — 800-624-2377
Available 24 hours
Sponsor: New Jersey Department of Health
Website: https://www.njhivstdline.org
Provider Phone: TTY 973-926-8008

New Mexico
HIV Services — 505-476-3612
Available Mon–Fri, 7 AM–4 PM (PST) (8–5 MT)
Sponsor: New Mexico Department of Health
Website: https://www.nmhealth.org/about/phd/idb/hiv
Provider Phone: 505-476-3612

New York
HIV/AIDS Hotline (English) — 800-541-2437
Available 24 hours
Sponsor: New York State Department of Health
Website: https://www.health.ny.gov/diseases/aids/general/resources/hotline.htm
Provider Phone: (not listed)

HIV/AIDS Hotline (Spanish) — 800-233-7432
Available 24 hours
Sponsor: New York State Department of Health
Website: https://www.health.ny.gov/diseases/aids/general/resources/hotline.htm
Provider Phone: TTY 800-369-2437

North Carolina
HIV/STD Prevention Unit / ASHA Resource Center — 919-361-8488
Available Mon–Fri, 5 AM–4 PM (PST) (8 AM–6 PM ET)
Sponsor: NC Department of Health & Human Services
Website: https://epi.dph.ncdhhs.gov/cd/stds
Provider Phone: 919-361-8488

North Dakota
HIV Program — 701-328-2378
Available Mon–Fri, 6 AM–3 PM (PST) (8–5 CT)
Sponsor: North Dakota HHS
Website: https://www.hhs.nd.gov/hiv
Provider Phone: 701-328-2378

Ohio
Ohio HIV Hotline — 800-332-2437
Status: Service paused until further notice (6/25/2025). Use CDC-INFO 800-232-4636 (24/7).
Sponsor: Ohio Department of Health
Website: https://odh.ohio.gov/know-our-programs/hiv-prevention
Provider Phone: (not listed)

Oklahoma
HIV/STD Service — 800-535-2437
Available Mon–Fri, 6 AM–3 PM (PST) (8–5 CT)
Sponsor: Oklahoma State Department of Health
Website: https://oklahoma.gov/health/services/hiv-std-service.html
Provider Phone: (not listed)

Oregon
Oregon AIDS/STD Hotline (English) — 800-777-2437
Available 24 hours
Sponsor: Oregon Health & Science University / OHDC (Statewide)
Website: https://www.ohdc.org/aids-hotline
Provider Phone: (not listed)

Oregon AIDS/STD Hotline (Spanish) — 800-499-6940
Available 24 hours
Sponsor: Oregon Health & Science University / OHDC (Statewide)
Website: https://www.ohdc.org/aids-hotline
Provider Phone: (not listed)

Pennsylvania
PA AIDS Fact Line — 800-662-6080
Available Mon–Fri, 5 AM–2 PM (PST) (8–5 ET)
Sponsor: Pennsylvania Department of Health
Website: https://www.pa.gov/agencies/health/programs/hiv.html
Provider Phone: (not listed)

Rhode Island
HIV/STD Program — 401-222-2320
Available Mon–Fri, 5:30 AM–1:30 PM (PST) (8:30–4:30 ET)
Sponsor: Rhode Island Department of Health
Website: https://health.ri.gov/diseases/hivaids
Provider Phone: 401-222-2320

South Carolina
HIV/STD Division — 800-322-2437
Available Mon–Fri, 5 AM–2 PM (PST) (8–5 ET)
Sponsor: South Carolina Department of Health & Environmental Control
Website: https://scdhec.gov/hivstd
Provider Phone: 803-898-0749

South Dakota
HIV/STD Program — 800-592-1861
Available Mon–Fri, 6 AM–3 PM (PST) (8–5 CT)
Sponsor: South Dakota Department of Health
Website: https://doh.sd.gov/diseases/infectious/hiv
Provider Phone: 605-773-3737

Tennessee
HIV/STD Program — 800-525-2437
Available Mon–Fri, 6 AM–2:30 PM (PST) (8–4:30 CT)
Sponsor: Tennessee Department of Health
Website: https://www.tn.gov/health/health-program-areas/std/std-hotline.html
Provider Phone: (not listed)

Texas
HIV/STD Info Line — 737-255-4300
Available Mon–Fri, 6 AM–3 PM (PST) (8–5 CT)
Sponsor: Texas Department of State Health Services
Website: https://www.dshs.texas.gov/hivstd
Provider Phone: 737-255-4300

Utah
HIV/STI Hotline — 801-487-2100
Available Mon–Fri, 7 AM–4 PM (PST) (8–5 MT)
Sponsor: Utah Department of Health & Human Services
Website: https://epi.utah.gov/hiv
Provider Phone: 801-487-2100

HIV/STI Hotline (toll-free) — 800-366-2437
Available Mon–Fri, 7 AM–4 PM (PST)
Sponsor: Utah DHHS
Website: https://epi.utah.gov/hiv
Provider Phone: 800-366-2437

Vermont
HIV/STD Hotline — 800-882-2437
Available Mon–Fri, 5:30 AM–2 PM (PST) (8–4:30 ET)
Sponsor: Vermont Department of Health
Website: https://www.healthvermont.gov/disease-control/hiv
Provider Phone: (not listed)

Virginia
STD/HIV Hotline — 800-533-4148
Available 24 hours
Sponsor: Virginia Department of Health
Website: https://www.vdh.virginia.gov/disease-prevention/stdhotline
Provider Phone: (not listed)

Washington
HIV Hotline — 800-272-2437
Available Mon–Fri, 8 AM–5 PM (PST)
Sponsor: Washington State Department of Health / Lifelong
Website: https://doh.wa.gov/you-and-your-family/illness-and-disease-z/hiv
Provider Phone: (not listed)

West Virginia
HIV/STD Program — 800-642-8244
Available Mon–Fri, 5 AM–2 PM (PST) (8–5 ET)
Sponsor: West Virginia DHHR — OEPS
Website: https://dhhr.wv.gov/oeps/std-hiv-hep
Provider Phone: 304-558-2195

Wisconsin
HIV Program — 608-267-5287
Available Mon–Fri, 6 AM–3 PM (PST) (8–5 CT)
Sponsor: Wisconsin Department of Health Services
Website: https://www.dhs.wisconsin.gov/hiv
Provider Phone: 608-267-5287

Wyoming
HIV/STD Program — 307-777-5856
Available Mon–Fri, 7 AM–4 PM (PST) (8–5 MT)
Sponsor: Wyoming Department of Health
Website: https://health.wyo.gov/publichealth/hiv
Provider Phone: 307-777-5856

Puerto Rico
Prevención ETS/VIH — 787-765-1010
Available Mon–Fri, 4 AM–12 PM (PST) (8 AM–4 PM AST)
Sponsor: Departamento de Salud de Puerto Rico
Website: https://www.salud.gov.pr
Provider Phone: (not listed)

Virgin Islands (U.S.)
STD/HIV Program — St. Thomas 340-774-9000 ext. 4661/4663
Available Mon–Fri, 4 AM–12 PM (PST) (8 AM–4 PM AST)
Sponsor: U.S. Virgin Islands Department of Health
Website: https://doh.vi.gov/programs/stdhiv
Provider Phone: (not listed)

STD/HIV Program — St. Croix 340-773-1311 ext. 3061/3080
Available Mon–Fri, 4 AM–12 PM (PST)
Sponsor: U.S. Virgin Islands Department of Health
Website: https://doh.vi.gov/programs/stdhiv
Provider Phone: (not listed)

This directory is provided for informational and public health purposes only. Hours, numbers, and service availability are verified as of November 2025 but may change without notice. Users should confirm details directly with the listed state or federal agency before relying on hotline information. This compilation does not imply endorsement by any governmental or private entity. All times are shown in Pacific Standard Time (PST).