By STATE SEN. MARK MESSMER

Last month, Indiana 211 officially became part of the Indiana Family and Social Services Administration (FSSA). This will help enable specialized programs such as the Be Well Crisis Helpline, which allows Hoosiers to call and speak with a trained counselor 24 hours a day.

The Be Well Crisis Helpline is funded by a Crisis Counseling Assistance and Training Program grant from the Federal Emergency Management Agency. This helpline aims to connect individuals with assistance and answers from thousands of health and human service resources across Indiana.

For many Hoosiers, anxiety regarding financial stress, grief and the loss of one’s normal routine can be overwhelming. By calling 2-1-1, callers can connect with an experienced and compassionate counselor offering mental health services. The website in211.communityos.org is also a great resource, helping you quickly find the support you need.

In addition, to help improve the mental health of young Hoosiers, the Indiana General Assembly passed Senate Enrolled Act 246 last session. This new law requires all Indiana schools to have an agreement in place with a community mental health center to provide mental and behavioral health services to students.

These are both great steps for our state. Many Hoosiers, both children and adults, experience depression, anxiety and a number of other mental health issues, and it's important our community and state assist them in finding the help they need.

For more mental health resources, visit BeWellIndiana.com or call 2-1-1.

As always, feel free to contact my office directly with your questions and concerns by email at Senator.Messmer@iga.in.gov or by phone at 800-382-9467.