Lack of Funding Could Shut Down Suicide Crisis Line

RICHFIELD (AP) — Minnesota's suicide crisis hotline could be shut down next month unless funding is found.

Crisis Connection is the only center in Minnesota that takes calls from the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline. Manager Laura Weber says the Richfield center will be forced to start shutting down May 21 unless it can find financial backing. The line is operated by Oakdale-based Canvas Health, a nonprofit community mental health agency.

Weber says the center needs about $970,000 annually to operate. The crisis line links callers with local psychiatrists and counselors as well as first-responders and emergency rooms.

In the past it has operated with fundraisers and contracts.