Remember: Dial 211

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Danielle Conde
  • 6th Air Mobility Wing public affairs
The Sexual Assault Response Coordinator at MacDill Air Force Base, Florida, is encouraging service members to be aware of the resources available to them in the community. 

"Crisis Center of Tampa Bay is a long standing partner for MacDill and provides valuable sexual assault crisis services for us," said Kathy Foley, 6th Air Mobility Wing SARC. "They also have a grant to fund the 'MyFloridaVet' program which serves all military members, including retired, on a 24/7 hotline."

This center is unique because it is run for veterans by veterans who have experienced similar difficulties in transitioning from the military back to civilian life.

"They are highly trained professionals who are genuinely doing this because they care," said Foley who went on to explain that she has witnessed a crisis call in person. "They immediately had empathy and were able to talk through the situation with the caller."

As well as providing an outlet to talk, the crisis center offers resources and referrals to Veterans Affairs funded services and other community-based services that may be closer to the caller's location.

"Sometimes people just need someone to talk to, and are overwhelmed with their options" said Foley. "The one thing they should remember is dial 211."

Free, confidential crisis counseling and referrals are available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year at both the MacDill helpline at (813) 828-7272 and the 211 crisis hotline.