BALTIMORE – The Maryland Department of Human Resources (DHR) and the Maryland Department of Health and Mental Hygiene remind residents of available crisis hotlines. 

Families in the midst of a crisis can call 800/243-7337.  Trained operators will provide callers with information, referrals and needed support -- especially to parents and other individuals who are caring for children including babysitters, neighbors and adolescents.  The number is toll free, confidential, state-wide and is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. 

Youth in the midst of a suicide crisis can call 800/422-0009.  The Maryland Department of Health and Mental Hygiene runs this hotline primarily geared toward youth.  However, trained operators will accommodate any person in crisis who calls the number.  Callers will be able to get immediate crisis intervention, information and referrals.  The number is toll free, confidential, state-wide and is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. 

“No doubt these are very stressful times for Maryland’s families, said DHR Secretary Brenda Donald. 

“We want families to know that there is help within reach.” 

“"We have the services in place to assist people in crisis," said DHMH Secretary John Colmers. "Our challenge is to make sure people know that no matter what they are facing, help is just a phone call away."

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The Maryland Department of Human Resources is the state’s social services provider.  The agency collaborates with 24 local jurisdictions to: provide foster care, adoption and protective services to children; collect and distribute child support payments; and provide temporary cash, food stamps and medical assistance to families.  It also administers programs for homeless persons, refugees, migrant workers, victims of crime and women who are displaced, battered or assaulted.  Last year, DHR served 638,000 people in need.  In terms of its annual budget, DHR is Maryland’s fourth largest state agency. 

The Department of Health and Mental Hygiene protect, promotes and improves the health and well being of all Maryland citizens in a fiscally responsible way by:  provide services at a reasonable cost; maintaining the quality of Maryland's health care system and improving the health status of individuals.