JAMESTOWN, N.D. (NewsDakota.com) – There has been a spike in suicides in the last two weeks in Stutsman County.

As suicide rates continue to climb in North Dakota, it’s important to know and share information that is available. FirstLink is a free, confidential service available to anyone. The service provides listening and support, referrals to resources and help, and crisis intervention. They answer the 211 helpline, which is the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline and communicates via the text line 898-211.

“FirstLink provides these services across the entire state of North Dakota and parts of Minnesota,” Jennifer Illich, Director of Helpline Operations states. “Dial 2-1-1 or text your zip code to 898-211 from anywhere in our service area for confidential help and support.”

FirstLink also provides a directory of 5,500 resources that community members can use for financial and behavioral health support.

“If someone that you are providing listing and support to needs a higher level of care such as a therapist, primary doctor, or a support group you can find this information in the directory,” Illich adds. “If someone needs a food pantry, help paying rent or other financial assistance you can find help in our directory.”

The organization works with the state of North Dakota to dispatch the Community Chaplain Program, which operates through the North Dakota Department of Health.

“FirstLink collaborates with this group to deploy their services. North Dakota has trained Community Chaplains, that have all went through crisis intervention training,” Illich states. “They provide emotional support, spiritual counsel, education, and behavioral health screening.”

All of this information is available by dialing 211. If you or someone you know is struggling, you can also call 800-273-8255(TALK). All calls are kept confidential.

You can visit myfirstlink.org for more information.