SAN ANTONIO — Through the struggles of mental illness, it may seem at times as if there’s no way out and no one to talk to.
But NAMI Greater San Antonio, the local chapter of a national organization dedicated to helping those with mental illness, and Bexar County are striving toward empowering the community to reach out by calling a new warmline.
“Once a crisis occurs, too often it can result in hospitalization, it can mean that somebody is not able to take care of themselves,” said Doug Beach, executive director of NAMI Greater San Antonio. “These are people who are trained to be able to talk to you, ask questions. Navigating to resources is a big part of it. We’re able to refer people to services regardless of their ability to pay.”
The warmline is not intended to serve as a crisis line like 988 or another hotline. While NAMI’s trained specialists have knowledge of working with crisis situations, the warmline is focused on crisis prevention.
In Bexar County, one in four people live with a mental illness, according to NAMI. That equates to 500,000 residents.
The warmline began as a pilot project more than a year ago. Charlotte Barr said it’s proven beneficial for her daughter, adding she hopes others taken advantage of the free resource.
“My daughter having a mental health diagnosis, a couple of them, trying to help her to live independently,” Barr said. "NAMI, this warmline helps by providing those resources. They help by being there for you. I’m glad to see that this program is growing.”
More than $2 million in American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds will sustain operations of the warmline. Bexar County health officials are working alongside NAMI to promote the warmline and help connect the community to resources.
“I think now it has become the forefront because we’re seeing the need in schools, we’re seeing the need in the workforce, we’re seeing the need in just many different places where we know that people are struggling,” said Leticia Dominguez, Bexar County behavioral health manager.
The NAMI warmline is (210) 939-9999. Those in need can call Monday through Sunday from 8 a.m. to 11 p.m.
To learn more about the warmline and positions that need to be filled, go here.