Access: Supports for Living launches ‘Text for Teens’ service in Sullivan County

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Emergency alerts will go to cell phones, TVs and radios.

MIDDLETOWN – The organization Access: Supports for Living has launched a free, confidential text line to support youth in Sullivan County who are struggling with mental health and substance use challenges, bullying, self-harm, homelessness, problems at home, relationship issues/violence, divorce, physical health, and more. 

Starting immediately, teens ages 12 and older can text 845-637-9486 from 4 p.m. -10 p.m. (M-F) and 5 p.m. -12 a.m. (Saturday and Sunday) to access trained community members to listen, respond, and provide connection to community resources.

Sullivan Text for Teens addresses an urgent need for mental health services and support for youth in Sullivan County, officials said.

In partnership with Sullivan County, Sullivan 180, and numerous community partners, Sullivan Text for Teens will remove barriers by connecting mental health supports to young people through a familiar, comfortable communication tool – text.

“While one in five teens across our communities live with a mental health condition, 70 percent of teens don’t receive the support they need” said Ron Colavito, CEO and president of Access: Supports for Living. “Sullivan Text for Teens represents a necessary, community-wide effort to destigmatize conversations of mental health by encouraging young people to become active participants in their own mental health.”

“Text for Teens is coming to Sullivan County at an incredibly important time” says John Liddle, Sullivan County commissioner of Health and Human Services and commissioner of Social Services. “Our kids are still recovering from the isolation and trauma of the COVID pandemic, and this service will ease access to mental health care for many children and families.”

Sullivan County Text for Teens is supported by a grant of the Mother Cabrini Health Foundation, along with support from the Community Foundation of Orange & Sullivan. 

Community partners working to support the program include Sullivan 180, Cornell Cooperative Extension Sullivan County, Sullivan BOCES, the Sullivan County Department of Health & Family Services, the Sullivan County Drug Task Force, and Sullivan County 911.




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