There are a variety of phone numbers that offer free, immediate help in emergency situations and other numbers appropriate for non-urgent but important problems.
Hotlines for emergency situations include 911, which most persons know about. Other hotlines are 988, for suicide prevention or other mental health crises, and 800-400-4884, for help in domestic-violence or sexual-assault situations.
Warmlines are helpful numbers for information and guidance. An example is 211, sponsored by the United Way of Central Iowa, which provides information on specific services in the greater Des Moines area.
ISU Extension has a warmline called Iowa Concern at 800-447-1985. Their topics include legal, financial, stress and disaster.
Important point: what is the difference between an emergency and a situation that greatly concerns yo, but is not an emergency? Hotlines are for situations that are life threatening: fire, physical or sexual assault, a medical condition that is very urgent, reporting a crime and reporting a disaster.
One more helpful phone number is 515-993-3750, the Dallas County Health Department. The Health Navigation program provides help connecting to anything from elder concerns to employment training to options for dentists who accept your insurance and numerous other wellness-related needs.
Ann Cochran is the health navigation coordinator in the Dallas County Public Health Department.
