Talk to someone now
Call or text the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, available 24/7.
Call 988 →Text 988 →
A first responder resource project in development
THE BACKUP CALL
You've answered their calls.
Let someone answer yours.
ARE YOU OK?
You have always answered the call. Isn't it time you have your own backup?
You show up for everyone. Now it's time someone showed up for you. It's okay if the answer is no.
I NEED BACKUPGet support nowI'M CHECKING ON SOMEONEHelp a fellow responderI WANT TO BE BACKUPFuture ways to help
This is a resource, not medical advice. If there is an emergency, call 911. For emotional crisis support, call or text 988.
Not every injury is visible.Some injuries, like PTSD, can be invisible. Real people. Real challenges. Real support.
988Immediate helpCall or text, 24/7☏Peer supportFellow responders⚲ResourcesFind what you need♡For familiesSupport & guidance+Get involvedPlanned, not open yet
FIRST RESPONDERS.
REAL PEOPLE. REAL CHALLENGES.
Whether you wear a badge, a uniform, a stethoscope, or a headset, the emotional demands of this work are real. The Backup Call aims to connect first responders with established resources and, in time, a community that understands.
Real stories. Real hope.
Stories are coming, with consent first.
Responders sharing their own journeys can reduce stigma. No stories are published in this prototype, and none will be collected until consent, privacy and safeguarding steps are in place.
Start here
You don't have to carry it alone.
Whether this is an urgent moment or something you've been holding onto for months, there is a next step. These buttons connect you directly to independent support organizations.
Text 988 →
Talk to a fellow responder
Safe Call Now connects first responders and families with trained peer advocates.
Call (206) 459-3020 →Prefer to text?
Connect with a trained volunteer crisis counselor through Crisis Text Line.
Text HOME to 741741 →Privacy matters: You can browse this prototype without creating an account. Support providers have their own confidentiality policies and limited exceptions. The Backup Call does not operate these helplines or guarantee anonymity.
National + New York pilot
Find your backup.
Search reviewed national and New York City options. Nassau and Suffolk County listings are being verified and are not published yet.
Prototype directory: national and NYC listings below include reviewed source links. Additional local entries supplied for the pilot are not displayed until their contact details and service status are verified.
For partners, family, and colleagues
Checking on someone? Start with care.
Changes worth noticing
- Withdrawing from friends, family, or routines.
- Persistent irritability, hopelessness, or emotional numbness.
- Sleep disruption, nightmares, or constant exhaustion.
- Increasing reliance on alcohol or other substances to cope.
- Talking about being a burden, wanting to disappear, or suicide.
These signs aren't a diagnosis. Sudden or escalating concerns deserve attention.
What you can say
“I've noticed things have felt heavy lately. I'm here to listen, and you don't have to handle this alone.”
Listen without judgment. Ask directly about suicide if you're concerned. If there is immediate danger, call emergency services; otherwise, offer to help connect them with a crisis counselor or trusted professional.
If they have a plan, help make firearms, pills or other means less available, and keep in touch afterward. Source: NIMH, 5 action steps to help someone having thoughts of suicide and 988 Lifeline, help someone else.
Talk with 988 about supporting someone →Future ways to help
Be someone's backup, later.
The Backup Call is a project in development. We hope to work with first responder peer-support organizations, clinicians, family advocates, and volunteers who may want to help build an accurate national directory. No volunteer program is running yet and nothing is open for sign-up.
Resource reviewers (planned)
Would help verify contact information, service hours, and geographic coverage.
Community partners (planned)
Would share established, reputable programs that serve responders and families.
Story and outreach (planned)
Would help reduce stigma through thoughtful awareness materials and lived-experience storytelling.
Volunteer applications and direct messaging are not yet enabled in this prototype. We will not collect sensitive personal stories until appropriate consent, privacy, and safeguarding processes are in place.
Good to know
Questions you may have
Is The Backup Call a crisis hotline?
No. This is a resource navigation project in development. For immediate crisis support, call or text 988, or call 911 if there is immediate danger.
Do I have to identify as disabled to use this site?
No. This resource center welcomes first responders and loved ones facing stress, grief, burnout, trauma, or mental health concerns, with or without a diagnosis.
Will my department know I visited?
The prototype does not require an account or send information to departments. However, browsers, networks, and third-party services can have their own logs. Review the privacy policy of any support provider you contact.