Crisis Center of Tampa Bay

Even though most callers ask for specific, tangible items, the Crisis Center of Tampa Bay team allows them to speak freely and encourages an open conversation about their feelings.

The program, which partners the Tampa Police Department and Crisis Center of Tampa Bay, has helped 33 people so far this month.

The course teaches about dealing with mental health obstacles, building healthy teams and supporting employees. Participants learn to recognize mental and behavioral issues.

Starting this summer, staff from the center will work in the 911 dispatch center to further refine calls that don't need police officer involvement.

The three-digit number was launched to make it easier for people in crisis to access help. Crisis Center CEO Clara Reynolds says the spike in calls suggests mental health challenges persist for many.

USF is teaming up with the Crisis Center of Tampa Bay to offer seven installments of a mental wellness course examining how behavioral health affects the workplace.

A center has opened a location in Ruskin. Previously, residents in the are would have to travel to a location about an hour away - if they have a car. Officials say the distance likely kept some from seeking help.

The Crisis Center teamed up with Ultimate Medical Academy to launch an apprenticeship program that offers students free tuition and paid jobs. They aim to remove barriers to getting certified.

The center responded to more than triple its yearly average number of 211 calls from Charlotte County in just one week.

The money will pay for 10 staffers focused on handling 988 calls. Staff now are juggling those calls while also managing other helplines.