STATEHOUSE (March 5, 2021) — With the pandemic continuing to take a toll on mental health, State Reps. Doug Gutwein (R-Francesville) and Jim Pressel (R-Rolling Prairie) encourage Hoosiers to turn to Indiana's Be Well Crisis Helpline, a free and confidential resource already helping thousands of people across the state.
According to Gutwein, Hoosiers can connect with a trained counselor at no cost by calling 211 or visiting BeWellIndiana.com.
"The past year has taken a toll on the mental health of many," Gutwein said. "Needing help is nothing to be embarrassed about, and this free resource will help connect Hoosiers to someone who can talk with them confidentially."
When calling 211 to reach the Be Well Crisis Helpline, Hoosiers enter their ZIP code, follow the prompts and select No. 3. On BeWellIndiana.com, Hoosiers can take a mental health assessment, access substance use disorder and recovery resources, as well as educational videos from experts in the field.
According to Pressel, 211 and BeWellIndiana.com can connect Hoosiers to other helpful state resources, like child care, and unemployment and health insurance.
"Professionals are available and want to help in any way they can," Pressel said. "No one dealing with a disorder should feel like they are fighting alone, and I urge any Hoosier who needs help to call or use the website and access these free resources."
Since launching in July 2020, the helpline assisted more than 8,000 Hoosiers. Nearly 53% of all callers are referred to additional mental health treatment, substance use services or crisis counseling, according to data collected by Be Well Indiana counselors.
Pressel said family physicians and health insurance providers can also provide access to telehealth options for counseling and emotional support.
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State Rep. Douglas Gutwein (R-Francesville) represents House District 16, which
includes all of Pulaski County and portions of Fulton, Jasper, Newton and Starke counties.
Click here to download a high-resolution photo.
State Rep. Jim Pressel (R-Rolling Prairie) represents House District 20,
which includes portions of LaPorte and Starke counties.
Click here to download a high-resolution photo.
