[Congressional Record Volume 165, Number 97 (Tuesday, June 11, 2019)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E743]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




           RECOGNIZING THE 50TH ANNIVERSARY OF PRS CRISISLINK

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                        HON. GERALD E. CONNOLLY

                              of virginia

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, June 11, 2019

  Mr. CONNOLLY. Madam Speaker, I rise to recognize PRS CrisisLink on 
its 50th anniversary. This occasion carries great significance for my 
family and I, as my wife is co-chair of the Congressional Spouses for 
Suicide Prevention and Education.
   PRS CrisisLink is a free 24/7 crisis intervention and suicide 
prevention program that offers a free and confidential crisis and 
suicide prevention hotline for Northern Virginia and the Washington, 
D.C. region.
   Under the leadership of Wendy Gradison, PRS CrisisLink continues to 
evolve into a highly important resource within our community. Based on 
a 2009 report by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services 
Administration, PRS CrisisLink has determined that an estimated 72,000 
residents of Northern Virginia have a serious mental illness with the 
majority of whom not receiving treatment. Given the high numbers of 
persons with mental illness, PRS seeks ways to serve those in need 
through a variety of programs.
   PRS CrisisLink hotlines are staffed by highly trained volunteers and 
crisis line workers who provide helpful information about community 
services, referrals to mental health services and tips on how to help 
those struggling with mental health issues.
   With many community members in Northern Virginia and the Washington, 
D.C. region still in dire need of mental health services and support, 
PRS CrisisLink aims to further expand service delivery to reach as many 
individuals as possible.
   Each year, PRS serves more than 1,100 clients. Last year alone the 
volunteers and staff at CrisisLink responded to 45,000 phone calls. I 
commend the staff and volunteers for their selfless service to our 
community. The tools they provide to help individuals with mental 
illness live with dignity and become fully integrated members of our 
community.
   Madam Speaker, programs like PRS CrisisLink are a testament to good 
community leadership and further evidence that we live in a community 
that cares. I commend the staff and volunteers of PRS CrisisLink for 
the lifesaving work they do every day on behalf of others. I ask my 
colleagues to join me in congratulating PRS CrisisLink on its 50th 
anniversary and in thanking them for their continued service to our 
community.

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