Suicide hotline rescued

Thursday, Oct. 7, 1999 | 11:21 a.m.

Since the Suicide Prevention Hotline of Clark County issued a plea for financial help four days ago the nonprofit agency has received almost $9,000 in donations and more is on the way.

Spokesman Paul Draher said concerned citizens and organizations once again have rescued the agency whose volunteers counsel potential suicide victims.

"This will cover us for rest of year," Draher said. "Some organizations have offered to hold fund-raisers quarterly at cost to help us out."

Radio station 94.1-FM The Mix donated $1,000 and is raising funds the rest of this week for the agency, Draher said.

United Way will match up to $5,000 in donations.

This morning at 10:30 a.m. the State Peace Officers Council was to present a $2,000 check to Draher at a press conference and will donate another $2,000 to the Southern Nevada group later this fiscal quarter.

Ron Cuzze, president of the 220-member organization of state police officers, said his group has been making quarterly donations to the hotline for about four years.

It decided to make additional payments this quarter after the agency's public plea for help.

He calls the service provided by the suicide hotline vital.

"Every cop carries a handy reference card with the hotline's phone number on it," Cuzze said.

Cuzze said his organization frequently raises funds for a number of organizations that exist for victims of violent crimes.

"Suicide is an extremely violent crime," he said. "It has a devastating effect on families and friends."

The council also has contributed to Murder Victims Inc., Stop DUI and to individuals.

Draher put out a call for help when it looked as if the hotline might face being closed.

He said the agency was three months behind in its rent, which is $650 per month, and owed money to the answering service that takes calls and routes them to counselors.