Hotlines: From Cold War Crisis Lines to Suicide Prevention Lines and More

The Cuban Missile Crisis in 1963 was of international importance, threatening the world with the potential suicide of at least three nations: the United States, the Soviet Union, and Cuba. As disastrous as this could be, it gave birth to an actual service of preventing the suicide of military service veterans and extended to the general population of the United States and beyond. The hotline movement grew from this potential disaster to a service that offered multiple services such as mental health, social services, information and referrals, and help to those isolated from family and other necessary resources. This book is a valuable resource for mental health professionals, legal professionals, community planners, volunteers, and historians in crisis intervention.