MARION, OH (MARION COUNTY NOW)—For nearly 55 years, Pathways of Central Ohio has been a lifeline for those in crisis. What began in 1970 as a response to a growing drug problem in Newark has since evolved into a vital service that provides 24/7 crisis hotline support across several Ohio counties — including Marion and Crawford.

Kristin McCloud of Pathways recently spoke about the organization’s history and its expanding impact during a local community spotlight segment.

“We were founded in 1970 in response to the growing drug problem in Newark,” McCloud said. “But it wasn’t too long after that we started getting calls from people in crisis. That was the beginning of our crisis hotline.”

Pathways extended its services to Marion County in 2019 by taking over the long-running Care Line from the Marion Area Counseling Center, which could no longer maintain it. A year later, in 2020, the organization filled a critical gap in Crawford County after Contact Crawford closed in May.

In 2024 alone, the hotline received 2,234 calls from Marion County and 604 from Crawford County.“These counties vary in size, so you’re not going to get quite the same call volume,” McCloud explained. “But the need is definitely there.”

Residents can reach the crisis hotline by calling the original Care Line number at 740-383-2273, the toll-free number at 800-544-1601, or by texting their ZIP code to 898211.

For those who prefer text or chat support, the nationwide 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline is also available. Launched in July 2022, the 988 service simplifies access to crisis help, with an average of 18,209 contacts per month statewide.

“You can text ‘HELP’ to 988 or chat at 988lifeline.org,” McCloud noted. “It’s a great option for younger people or anyone who isn’t comfortable talking on the phone.”

Addressing common misconceptions, McLeod emphasized that calling 988 does not automatically dispatch police to a caller’s location.

“That is absolutely not true,” she said. “It’s very rare that law enforcement gets involved, and that only happens if we think someone’s life is in danger.”

Instead, the state is working to expand crisis teams of mental health professionals who can respond without involving law enforcement.

McCloud also reassured callers about confidentiality.

“We adhere to the highest standards of confidentiality. You can remain anonymous — we do not automatically know your location,” she said.

Importantly, McCloud emphasized that 988 is not just for suicide prevention.

“The majority of our calls are not from people contemplating suicide,” she explained. “We help with loneliness, domestic violence, protective services situations, financial help, and more.”

To spread awareness, McCloud encourages community members to share information about 988 and the local services available. Materials such as magnets and informational cards are available at the Crawford-Marion ADAMH Board offices.

“Word of mouth is our best way to get the word out,” she said. “Tell a friend about 988. It’s a great, solid service that can really help folks.”

For more information about Pathways of Central Ohio and local resources, residents can visit 211marion.org or 211crawford.org.

“We really appreciate the opportunity to share this information,” McCloud said. “We’re here to help.”