FRAMINGHAM, Mass (WBZ NewsRadio) — Since 2013 Framingham based Call2Talk, a confidential suicide prevention and mental health call center has been fielding calls for help across the state.
When the center initially opened, it took in five calls. Now in 2019, with nearly 100 trained volunteers, it’s handling more than 5,000 calls a month and according to Eileen Davis, its program director, they are struggling to keep up with demand.
That’s because right now they're receiving more calls than they have the means to answer.
“Because of the nature of the work, because of how many hours are on the day and because of the spike in calls, It's never enough,” she said.
Davis says the organization volunteers work nights, weekends, holidays and even during snowstorms to help people going through tough times.
“So we're always looking for people who are interested in doing this type of work who really have a good heart who are interested in being there in a supportive way we’re always looking for more people to train.”
Davis believes one of the reasons for the increase in calls is increased awareness about mental health treatments.
If you’re interested in volunteering, call 508-532-2255 or go to Mass211.org.
WBZ NewsRadio’s Kim Tunnicliffe (@KimWBZ) reports.