2/3 of people who struggle with depression never seek treatment. There are an estimated 840,000 suicide attempts and more than 32,000 people die by suicide in America each year. 

Many people are unwilling or unable to reach out to traditional crisis hotlines. Studies show that compared to telephone and face-to-face communication, people are most comfortable and willing to reach out for help online via written communication. More than ever, people are communicating through instant messaging and phone texting. The primary current forms of crisis intervention and suicide prevention are telephone hotlines and face-to-face (i.e. counseling and treatment centers). 

There is a tremendous need for an online network. 

The Kristin Brooks Hope Center and To Write Love On Her Arms have partnered together to launch IMAlive, the first live online crisis network with 100% of its staff certified and trained in crisis intervention

Since 1998, 1-800-SUICIDE has responded to more than 3 million calls from people in crisis. Also since 2006, TWLOHA has responded to more than 100,000 messages from people struggling with depression, addiction, self-injury and suicide.

Our plan is to use the Internet to allow thousands of trained crisis line workers to create the first virtual crisis call center. Once launched, IMAlive will allow crisis responders to reach millions of people through its custom built instant messaging service.

We’re currently in the beta testing phase of IMAlive training. We plan to have training for 1000 volunteers completed by end of Summer 2010. In order for us to launch IMAlive we need your help. To successfully launch we must train 1,000 volunteers and also raise $2.5 million for the first year of operation. Much of these costs are associated with the development and management of the crisis network and responders.

How you can Help:

1. Consider becoming an IMAlive Volunteer responder.Training costs $250 per person and will be provided by the QPR Institute, regarded as the leader in crisis intervention training. The training is open to anyone 18 years old+ and will begin shortly after beta testing is complete.

Sign up here to become a volunteer IMAlive responder.