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 service has so far helped 33 people this month.

Professionals from 50 U.S. states and 69 countries enrolled in the course.

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

It's Human Trafficking Prevention Month, and Crisis Center President and CEO Clara Reynolds said it doesn't always play out the way you may have seen it in the movies.

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.

Previously residents in south county would have to travel to North Tampa to access these services. Officials say the distance likely kept some from seeking help.

The Crisis Center teamed up with Ultimate Medical Academy to launch an EMT 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.

The Crisis Center of Tampa Bay has answered thousands of 988 calls since the launch, and CEO Clara Reynolds says emergency responders have only had to get involved about 2% of the time.