New Disaster Distress ASL Hotline

After a disaster, you may be at risk for emotional distress. Warning signs can include feeling isolated, anxious, or having trouble sleeping or difficulty completing daily tasks. If you or someone you know is Deaf or hard of hearing, the national Disaster Distress Hotline now offers a direct videophone option. This free service for American Sign Language (ASL) users is answered 24/7 by trained crisis workers fluent in ASL and can be accessed using any videophone-enabled device and dialing 1-800-985-5990 or at disasterdistress.samhsa.gov and clicking the “ASL now” option to be connected.