About Us

Concern Hotline is a free 24/7 confidential information & referral, compassionate listening, crisis intervention, and suicide prevention hotline. Serving the Northern Shenandoah Valley of Virginia.

HISTORY

Concern Hotline began in 1968 when a few caring Winchester residents noticed their community had the highest suicide rate in Virginia, twice the East Coast average. With many Vietnam veterans struggling and little mental health support available, Dr. Kic Kiczales, Judge Henry Whiting, Patricia Whiting, and Bettie Johnston came together. They established the hotline to provide hope and assistance to anyone in crisis. By April 1970, Concern Hotline was live, serving Winchester, Frederick, and Clarke counties—and by 1978, it had expanded to provide 24/7 crisis and emotional support to callers in need of compassionate listening.
 

Concern Hotline is a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization incorporated in the state of Virginia on April 16th, 1979.

OUR MISSION STATEMENT

Our mission is to comfort, calm, and assist those in need by providing crisis intervention and suicide prevention services through compassionate listening and empathetic support via trained volunteers on a 24-hour hotline.

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Our Expertise

  • A woman walking on a dirt path surrounded by trees during sunset, with her hands on her head.

    Mental Health

    Mental health is a growing concern worldwide, with one in four people experiencing a mental health disorder at some point in their lives. Depression and anxiety are the most common mental health disorders, affecting an estimated 300 million people globally.

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    Community

    Positive community support is the backbone of a thriving society. When neighbors come together to lift each other up, incredible things happen. From small acts of kindness to larger initiatives, the power of community support is unmatched. Please visit our "Source Book" page for any community support programs offered in our general area!

  • Two hands, one dark-skinned and one light-skinned, raised against a blurred leafy background, making peace signs.

    Human Rights

    Mental health is a fundamental human rights issue that affects millions of individuals worldwide. The right to mental health includes access to mental health care, treatment, and support without discrimination. Everyone has the right to live free from stigmatization and discrimination based on their mental health condition.

Our Team Members

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