Blog
Barbershops Have Long Been Mental Health Havens—Now They’re Expanding Their Support
Barbershops have always been more than just places for a fresh fade or a lineup. For generations, they’ve served as trusted community spaces—where conversations flow freely, where advice is given, and where people feel safe. Now, in Portland, they’re becoming something even more powerful: hubs for mental health support.
Alcohol? It’s Time to Rethink the Drink
Alcohol consumption is common in celebrations, social gatherings, and even as a way to unwind after a long day. However, many people don’t realize the impact of alcohol on mental health, sleep quality, and emotional well-being.
Addressing Mental Health in BIPOC Communities: How Lines for Life is Making a Difference
Mental health care is essential for everyone, but many Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) face stigma, discrimination, and a lack of culturally responsive support. These barriers often prevent individuals from seeking help.
Behavioral Health Support Line
Mother to Mother: A Lifeline Made of Hope
A Mother in DespairIsabella was thousands of miles away from her children1. Driven to ensure they had food, clothing, and a roof over their head, Isabella left her children with family members in her Latin American home country and immigrated to Oregon for work. The guilt and...
Suicide Prevention Month
Ask, Then Listen: LFL Volunteer Shares Tips for Starting a Conversation
Je has started hundreds of tricky conversations. As a Lines for Life volunteer, she answers calls from people looking for a way through anxiety, stress, loneliness, substance abuse, and thoughts of suicide.During her weekly volunteer shifts, Je listens, validates, and supports...
Service Members and Veterans
PTSD 101 – What it is and How to Support Someone
Our mental wellness is constantly changing. We all deserve support when we need it. Traumatic events impact everyone differently. For some people, the impacts of trauma can develop into Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), a diagnosis that is treatable with evidence-based therapies.Despite...
Mental Health Awareness Month
Finding Support Beyond Your Circle: Oregon’s Behavioral Health Support Line
How can you reach out when your go-to isn’t available?Sometimes we find ourselves needing support, but the people we would normally reach out to aren’t available. Times when: Your most trusted confidant is away on vacation. Your next treatment appointment is days, weeks, or months...
Asian & Pacific Islander Heritage Month
Lines for Life Honors API Heritage Month
Lines for Life Honors API Heritage MonthThis May, Lines for Life celebrates the diverse cultures and rich histories of the Asian and Pacific Islander (API) community by honoring API Heritage Month.Why May? May holds special significance for API heritage in America, as it commemorates...
Mental Health Awareness Month
Reaching Out Despite the Obstacles
What keeps you from reaching out?Everyone needs support sometimes. But reaching out can be difficult. At some point, you may have talked yourself out of sharing a challenging experience with phrases like: I’ll be judged by my experiences.I can’t trust that what I say will be...
Mental Health Awareness Month
Reach Out for Support or Lend Yours Today
When did you last check on your people?Staying connected is a critical component of enjoying a mentally healthy life!When we feel down, experience anxiety or grief, or have a mental health emergency, staying connected to others can get us through. Staying connected is a two-way...
Black History Month
Showing Up for Black Joy – Black History Month Recap
Supporting each other and working together is how Black folks survived the horrors of slavery, and continue to survive family separation, state-sanctioned oppression and more. Black Joy is made possible by community members looking out for one another and lifting each other up...
Always Hope Gala
Behind the Scenes: Planning the Always Hope Gala
By Maggie O’Connor, Assistant Director of DevelopmentEvery year, as soon as the Gala ends and the Development team is busy packing up at the venue, we start thinking about what we want to do for the next one! Together, we carefully plan every element from invitations, décor,...
Black History Month
Celebrating Black Joy – Helping Students Rebound from Incarceration
By Martin Lockett, Director of Cultural Engagement I recently had the privilege, with Lines for Life’s Equity Team, of visiting Portland State University to speak with Rebound – a unique program serving formerly incarcerated individuals who are rebuilding their lives by...
