The holiday season can be a joyful time for some, but it can also be one of the toughest for people facing stress, loneliness, financial strain, or mental health challenges. At Netcare, we see this every day. December is often a month when more people reach out for help, and our team is here 24/7 to support anyone who needs us. If you or someone you know needs support, call our 24/7 Crisis Phone Line at 614-276-CARE (2273) or dial/text 988. Our clinicians will listen, help you determine next steps, and make sure you’re connected to the resources or safe space you need.

 

In Their Own Words 

Every day, lives are changed at Netcare. Our clients’ words speak to the hope, healing, and compassion they’ve found through the care of our dedicated team. 

“Netcare is ensuring that those that may be having the worst day of their lives will have a caring and compassionate individual that is going to talk to them, hold their hand, and get them the resources they need to get help, stay alive and thrive.” 

“The employees at Netcare are genuine in their desire to be of service to the (sometimes) forgotten folks in need…those who might fall between the cracks of societies’ services. This kindness is contagious, and it begins at the top of Netcare…It’s Netcare’s sole reason to be.” 

These words reflect the heart of our mission, and the heart of what your generosity makes possible.

 

How You Can Help This December 

Support Our Annual Campaign (with Matching Funds!) 

This year, a generous donor is matching all gifts dollar-for-dollar up to $10,000.
That means your donation goes twice as far for the thousands of individuals we serve each year, people seeking safety, stability, and compassionate care.
Make your matched gift here.

 

Thank You for Being Part of Our Community 

The holidays can be difficult, but with help, they can also be a season of comfort and hope. Your kindness, generosity, and belief in our mission help people feel seen, supported, and safe – sometimes for the first time in a long time.

November is Homelessness Awareness Month, a time to recognize the challenges faced by individuals and families without stable housing—and to highlight the many community partners working together to provide hope, safety, and support. 

Every day, Netcare teams are on the move, responding to crises, offering support, and helping connect people in need to safety and care. Alongside many dedicated community partners, Netcare plays an important role in Franklin County’s coordinated efforts to assist individuals experiencing homelessness. 

Two of our programs are especially involved in this work: the Homeless Hotline and ROW ONE. 

 

The Homeless Hotline 

In partnership with the Community Shelter Board, Netcare operates the Homeless Hotline— a lifeline for individuals and families in Franklin County who need emergency shelter or housing support. 

The Homeless Hotline is available 24/7 at 614-274-7000. Each year, our team answers more than 80,000 calls, offering not just guidance and referrals, but real compassion to those navigating housing instability or homelessness. 

For many, a single phone call to the Homeless Hotline can be the first step toward finding safety, warmth, and a path forward.  

 

ROW ONE 

Netcare’s ROW ONE Program is a mobile intervention service that provides safe, compassionate transportation for publicly intoxicated individuals in Franklin County. Our trained team travels around the city, ensuring that people who are too intoxicated to safely remain on the streets are taken to a secure environment—whether that’s a treatment center, a homeless shelter, or a hospital. 

ROW ONE workers drive more than 150,000 miles each year, transporting about 1,000 individuals every month. Along the way, they also offer information about community resources, helping clients take the first steps toward recovery and stability. 

If you see someone who may be intoxicated and in need of help, please contact Netcare’s Emergency Response Service at 614-276-2273. Our teams prioritize each call based on need, responding with care and professionalism. 

 

Through programs like the Homeless Hotline and ROW ONE, Netcare helps ensure that individuals in crisis are met with compassion, connection, and care—no matter where they are on their journey. 

Together, our community is bridging the gap between crisis and care, one person at a time. 

October is Emotional Wellness Month, a good reminder that taking care of your emotions matters just as much as taking care of your body. And here’s the good news: small, everyday habits can make a real difference in how you feel. 

 

Simple ways to care for your emotional health: 

Get enough sleep. Try for 7–9 hours each night. Good sleep helps you handle stress and feel more balanced. 

Move your body. You don’t need a gym membership. A short walk, some stretching, or dancing around your home all count. Movement naturally lifts your mood.  

Take a moment to pause. Deep breaths, a few minutes of journaling, or just noticing what’s around you can help calm your mind. 

Stay connected. Text a friend. Call a family member. Chat with a coworker. Connecting with others reminds us we’re not alone. 

Eat well and drink water. When your body feels good, your emotions often follow. 

These small habits can help you feel stronger and more grounded. But even with good habits, some days are just hard, and that’s okay. 

 

On the hard days, we’re here. 

If you need support, call our 24/7 Crisis Phone Line at 614-276-CARE (2273) or dial/text 988 for immediate help. Our clinicians will listen, help you figure out next steps, and connect you to what you need, whether that’s resources, a safe place, or simply someone who cares. 

Your emotional wellness matters. Asking for help isn’t a weakness – it’s courage. 

September is Suicide Prevention Month, a time to raise awareness, fight stigma, and share resources that can help save lives. For many, living with mental health challenges or suicidal thoughts can feel isolating. But the truth is: no one has to go through it alone. 

Suicide remains a serious public health issue. According to the CDC, more than 49,000 people in the United States lost their lives to suicide in 2023. That’s about one person every 11 minutes. 

Behind every number is a person, a family, and a community forever impacted. That’s why awareness, prevention, and support are so critical. 

How We Can Make a Difference 

1. Start the Conversation
   Silence around suicide can be isolating and dangerous. Asking simple questions like “How are you doing?” or “I’m here for you” can open the door to connection. You don’t need to have all the answers—you just need to listen.
2. Fight Stigma
   Talking openly about mental health and suicide helps break harmful myths and stereotypes. Stigma often keeps people from reaching out for help. When we normalize these conversations, we create space for honesty, healing, and hope.
3. Know the Warning Signs
   Some common signs that someone may be struggling include:

• Talking about wanting to die or self-harm 

• Withdrawing from friends, family, or activities 

• Major changes in sleep, eating, or personal care 

• Expressing hopelessness or feeling like a burden 

• Giving away prized possessions 

If you notice these warning signs, reach out. Even small acts of care can make a big difference. 

4. Share Resources
   Help is always available. The 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline provides free, confidential support 24/7 for people in crisis, those worried about someone, or anyone who just needs to talk. Call or text 988 to connect with trained counselors right away.

Netcare offers support for those experiencing a mental health crisis. Call our Crisis Phone Line at 614-276-CARE (2273) to connect with help. By sharing resources, you may help someone take their first step toward safety and recovery. 

5. Remember and Support Healing
   This month can also be a time of remembrance for those who have lost loved ones to suicide. Offering compassion and safe spaces for people to share their stories helps honor those lost while supporting healing for those left behind.

You Are Not Alone 

Suicide is preventable. By starting conversations, breaking stigma, and sharing resources, each of us can play a role in saving lives. Together, we can create a community where no one has to struggle in silence. 

If you or someone you know is experiencing suicidal thoughts, please call or text 988 right away. 

Supporting Emotional Wellbeing as the School Year Begins 

As August winds down and families shift from the rhythm of summer into back-to-school mode, it’s normal for both children and caregivers to experience a mix of excitement and anxiety. Whether your child is starting kindergarten, entering a new school, or simply adjusting to the structure of a new academic year, these transitions can impact mental health in ways that aren’t always easy to recognize. 

At Netcare, we understand that mental health is just as important as school supplies when preparing for the year ahead. That’s why we’re sharing simple, supportive tips to help families navigate this busy season with care and confidence. 

 

Tips for Supporting Your Child’s Mental Health This School Year 

Start the Conversation 

Create a safe space for your child to talk about how they’re feeling. Ask open-ended questions like: 

• “What are you most excited about this school year?” 

• “Is there anything you’re feeling nervous about?” 

• “What can I do to help you feel ready?” 

 

Validating their feelings, without trying to immediately fix them, can help build trust and emotional resilience. 

 

Establish a Predictable Routine 

Reintroduce structure gradually. A consistent bedtime, meal schedule, and designated time for homework and downtime can help children feel grounded and reduce anxiety. 

 

Familiarize Them With the School Environment 

If your child is starting at a new school, try visiting ahead of time or attending orientation events. Seeing classrooms and meeting teachers can ease first-day jitters. 

 

Encourage Social Connection 

Whether it’s organizing a playdate with classmates or signing up for extracurriculars, social interaction helps children feel more connected and supported. 

 

Model Self-Care 

Caregivers set the tone. Managing your stress, maintaining healthy routines, and talking about emotions openly can teach children that mental health is a normal and important part of life. 

 

Keep an Eye Out for Warning Signs 

It’s common for children to feel a little uneasy during transitions, but ongoing changes in mood, appetite, energy levels, or school performance can signal something more serious.  

 

Pay attention to signs such as: 

• Frequent headaches or stomachaches 

• Avoiding school or social situations 

• Loss of interest in favorite activities 

• Irritability, withdrawal, or trouble sleeping 

 

If you’re concerned, don’t hesitate to reach out to a mental health professional for guidance. 

 

Call our Crisis Phone Line at 614-276-CARE (2273) for immediate mental health support. You can also call, text, or chat with the 988 Lifeline 24/7/365. Our clinicians are here to assist, whether it’s connecting you to a safe place or just being someone to talk to.

 

You’re Not Alone 

Transitions are hard, but your support makes a powerful difference. Whether you’re parenting a kindergartener or a teenager, tuning into your child’s emotional needs helps them feel safe, supported, and ready to learn. 

As the summer temperatures rise, so too can stress, anxiety, and other mental health symptoms. While sunshine and longer days often lift our spirits, extreme heat can have the opposite effect, worsening symptoms of depression, anxiety, and even triggering crises in individuals already vulnerable to mental health challenges.

At Netcare, we know physical comfort and emotional well-being can be closely tied. As July brings some of the hottest days of the year, we want to help our community recognize the signs of heat-related mental health strain and offer strategies for staying well.

 

Why Does Heat Affect Mental Health?

Extreme heat can disrupt sleep, limit social interaction, worsen physical health conditions, and make it harder to manage stress. Some of the most common symptoms that heat may be affecting your mental health include:

• Mood changes: irritability, low energy, sadness, or anxiety
• Cognitive issues: difficulty focusing or thinking clearly
• Sleep disruptions: heat can make restful sleep harder, leading to exhaustion
• Physical discomfort: headaches, dizziness, or nausea that amplify distress
• Increased impulsivity or agitation
• Worsening of existing mental health conditions, including depression, PTSD, or schizophrenia

 

Who’s Most at Risk?

While anyone can be affected by extreme heat, some people are more vulnerable than others. These groups include:

• People with pre-existing mental health conditions
• Individuals experiencing homelessness or housing insecurity
• Those without access to air conditioning or a reliable shelter
• Older adults, children, and people with chronic illness
• Pregnant individuals
• People experiencing substance use disorders
• Those taking medications that impair the body’s ability to cool down

 

Staying Mentally Well in the Heat: Tips & Strategies

• Stay Hydrated: Dehydration worsens mood and anxiety. Keep a water bottle with you, especially when outdoors or in hot spaces.
• Stay Cool: Seek air-conditioned places like libraries or community centers if your home isn’t cooled. Fans, cool showers, and cold packs also help.
• Avoid Peak Sun Hours: Limit time outdoors between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. Wear lightweight, breathable clothing and find shaded areas.
• Maintain Your Treatment Plan: If you’re on medication, don’t stop taking it due to the heat. Talk with your provider about any side effects or concerns.
• Stay Connected: Extreme heat can isolate people, especially those without transportation or air conditioning. Reach out to others and check in on neighbors.

 

When to Seek Help

If you or someone you know is experiencing intense distress, suicidal thoughts, or a mental health crisis, support is available:

Call our Crisis Phone Line at 614-276-CARE (2273) for immediate mental health support. You can also call, text, or chat with the 988 Lifeline 24/7/365. Our clinicians are here to assist, whether it’s connecting you to a safe place or just being someone to talk to.