Why is a crisis hotline important?
Crisis hotlines are important to have in any community because suicide is a major problem facing our society.  The CDC reported 438,000 Self-inflicted ER visits in 2003 with the national number of deaths at 31,655.  In addition, many fail to realize that more Virginians die from suicide than from homicide. According to the Virginia Department of Health, on average, 2 Virginians die from suicide every day. In 1997, suicide was the 9 leading cause of death in the Commonwealth and the third leading cause of death for young people. Furthermore the suicide rate for children and adolescents in Virginia ages 10 to 19 has increased 32% since 1975.

Not only is it important to have a crisis hotline in an area of Virginia with a high population of young adults but also because the number one cause of suicide is preventable.  According to the National Institute of Mental Health, major depression is considered the leading cause of disability in the US and worldwide.  Depression is an illness, and a treatable illness.  If depression is treatable then suicide is preventable and every suicide caused by depression a tragedy.  Seeking help is especially important for those struggling with depression.  The terrible psychological pain and loss of hope experienced by those suffering from depression requires appropriate support systems in the community.  We at Raft help fulfill this role by providing our services around the clock to those in need.

What makes Raft unique?
Raft is a unique hotline in Virginia for several reasons.  First, of the 42 Community Services Boards (CSB) found in Virginia, Raft is the only hotline to be affiliated with and located within a CSB.  The advantages to this are continual access to professionals and trained volunteers who can provide counseling, empathy, referrals, and information about available treatments within the CSB and the community.  Other CSB’s provide only emergency services and calls are dispatched through the police departments with no access to phone counseling, information, or referrals.

Secondly, Raft is unique because it is the only American Association of Suicidology (AAS) accredited hotline in the area.  To be accredited by the AAS means Raft works in accordance with nationally reviewed policies to ensure the highest quality of care.  Raft has been AAS accredited since 2001. 

Where did Raft come from?
In 1969 a few ambitious Virginia Tech students decided that they wanted to do something to help individuals who were addicted to drugs.  That year, Raft was formed, and began as a hotline in a school dorm.  During the early 70’s, Raft’s focus was on helping people with addictions to acid.  Eventually, the Raft volunteers focused on many different forms of substance abuse.  For several years Raft was the substance abuse service to the New River Valley.   As Raft gained support it became a self-sufficient agency.  Raft became a contracted service to the New River Valley Community Services (NRVCS) in the 80’s.  As the NRVCS’ Access unit was formed, this became the primary link to mental health services for substance abusers.  At this point, Raft joined efforts with the NRVCS by serving as an after hours hotline.  Throughout the past three decades Raft’s focus has continuously changed toward encompassing more and more issues. Today anyone in the New River Valley can call Raft and find help on a variety of subjects.

What services does Raft provide?
Raft provides crisis and suicide intervention, empathy and support, mental health information, and referrals for the counties of Montgomery, Floyd, Giles, Pulaski, and the City of Radford.  Crisis and suicide intervention involves training volunteers about risk assessment and appropriate response procedures.  Raft volunteers are trained to provide support and paraprofessional counseling to callers through empathy techniques and active listening.  Raft also provides information and referrals for community services, support groups, or basic emergency necessities.

How do I contact Raft?
If you or someone you know is in need of the services provided at Raft please call (540) 961-8400.  Raft is available 4pm-8am Monday through Friday and 24 hours a day on the weekends.  From 8am-4pm on weekday, phone operators in Access will take calls.

How can I get involved at Raft?
Raft is a nonprofit service provided by NRVCS to allow free, continual service to the community even after hours.  Raft is run solely on donations of time and money from members of the community.  As such, we are always accepting new volunteers.  If interested, please visit our "Volunteer" page or for further information please call the hotline manager at (540) 961-8409.  We look forward to hearing from you!