KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (WVLT) - There’s a new way for teens to get help in a mental health crisis. This comes as more teenagers in our area are taking their lives by suicide.

Suicide is now the third leading cause of death for Tennesseans aged between 10 and 17.

“24 hours a day, seven days a week. There’s someone there to, to respond and answer. And most of the time, it just takes a conversation,” said Bruce Marshall, director of CONTACT Careline.

CONTACT Careline helps train care counselors who answer the 988 calls.

Marshall said there’s been a growth in the number of teen suicides in Knox, Blount and Anderson counties. He said right now, the reason is unclear.

CONTACT Careline is rolling out a new way to reach teens, through a text line. It’s called Teen Line and can be messaged at 865-3

See Full Page