by Sabrina Salas Matanane

Guam - Although the holiday season brings joy to many for others it can be a very difficult time. Currently, the Guam Behavioral Health and Wellness center is recruiting volunteers to help man the annual Holiday Crisis Hotline. The agency is accepting individuals, groups or organizations to volunteer their time and resources. If interested you are urged to contact GBHWC's Prevention and Training Branch (PEACE office) at 477–8861 or 477–9079 thru 9083. An initial screening of volunteers will be conducted. Volunteers who meet the selection criteria will be required to attend training on December 14, 2013.

The Holiday Crisis Hotline is a public service and collaborative effort led by GBHWC with other government and private agencies, and community volunteers. Its goal is to provide safety and assistance through verbal interventions to callers who find it extremely difficult to get through the holidays. Hotline volunteers will be trained to provide immediate crisis intervention and to make referrals to other available services that may be needed such as emotional support and safe transportation to avoid driving while under the influence.