[Congressional Record Volume 166, Number 85 (Wednesday, May 6, 2020)]
[Senate]
[Page S2285]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         ADDITIONAL STATEMENTS

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                     50TH ANNIVERSARY OF FIRSTLINK

 Mr. CRAMER. Mr. President, I want to recognize the 50th 
anniversary this month of FirstLink, a vital North Dakota organization 
which provides free and confidential mental health, suicide prevention, 
and other services 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
  FirstLink offers listening and support, resource referrals and crisis 
intervention. Across the entire State of North Dakota and parts of 
Minnesota, FirstLink answers calls for 17 agencies, notably the 211 
helpline and the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline. Those reaching 
out for help now have the ability to also communicate by text messaging 
at 898-211.
  Last year, FirstLink answered 60,148 calls. Of those, 13,446 were 
related to suicide. Its Caring Contacts service receives referrals from 
hospitals and clinics across North Dakota in addition to the phone 
calls that come in. Caring Contacts offers informal resources and 
coping strategies, encourages mental health treatment, and provides 
nonjudgmental listening and support. These calls are offered around the 
schedules of the individuals in need. Additional training is also 
offered to staff and volunteers from other State organizations working 
with people of all ages.
  FirstLink began as a grassroots volunteer organization in the Fargo 
area, first taking calls 6 hours a day. It has grown in hours and 
scope, thanks to private and public support, a staff of 20, a 12-member 
board, and many volunteers.
  The profound impact of the work FirstLink has done over these past 50 
years can never be adequately measured. On behalf of all North 
Dakotans, I congratulate and sincerely thank executive director Cindy 
Miller and all staff and volunteers for the difference their commitment 
has made to the quality of life in our State. May your next 50 years be 
just as meaningful.

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