This has been a rough year for most of us, with the COVID-19 pandemic followed by the devastating Almeda fire and a very contentious election season. Times of uncertainty can trigger fear and worry, and the isolation required by COVID-19 has eroded some of our natural support systems. But you don’t have to face it alone. Good listeners are just a phone call away.

Here are some free local resources to help:
• Age Wise Age Well offers peer counseling for seniors by skilled volunteers: 541-646-3402

• OPAL helps people 60+ find ways to feel less lonely and isolated while offering encouragement, support, and hope: 541-618-7572
• Jackson County Mental Health offers 24-hour mental health crisis support: 541-774-8201

In addition, these excellent state and national helplines answer 24 hours a day:
• Disaster Distress Helpline: 1-800-985-5990 Emotional help to cope with a disaster
• Friendship Line: 1-800-971-0016 National crisis & warmline for older and disabled adults and their caregivers
• Safe + Strong Helpline: 1-800-923-4357 Emotional support & resource referral for the COVID-19 pandemic
• Senior Loneliness Line: 1-800-282-7035 Crisis line for adults 55 and over
• National Suicide Prevention Hotline: 1-800-273-8255

For more resources, call Ashland Senior Services Division at 541-488-5342, or visit ashland.or.us/COVID19SeniorResources.