“There are two types of people. Ones who can make it and ones who can’t. We help people who can’t.”

- Sue Hoyt, Crisis Response Manager, Twin Cities Area Red Cross

At five o’clock when most area businesses are closing their doors and marking the close of another day the phone lines of Emergency Social Services at the Twin Cities Red Cross are just opening and our work is just beginning. Life saving work. Teams of Red Cross mental health professionals are there throughout the night, trained and ready to respond to calls for help. And, if we weren’t there. If we didn’t answer those phones, then calls for help could lead to violence and tragedy.

Red Cross Emergency Social Services provides crisis counseling to thousands of Twin Cities’ residents. The ESS program offers help when other phones may go unanswered because many County Social Service offices are closed after-hours, on weekends and holidays.

Sue's Story

Sue Hoyt has led our ESS team for nearly 30 years.An experienced social worker helping the Twin Cities most vulnerable, Sue has earned respect and built trust with communities, staff, volunteers and other social services professionals throughout the area.

Her job and that of the people she leads is a tough one. No one ever said helping to save lives would be easy. “In the last 30 years, mental health problems have become more complex. More than ever before, people suffering from mental illness are living in the mainstream.

Sometimes it’s because they want to. And sometimes it’s because they have to. Either way, this can lead to problems, and the Red Cross is here to provide comfort and help.”

The Red Cross ESS team deals with a wide range of social issues. They include: Professional licensed social workers provide all counseling and referrals for such issues as family violence, child abuse and neglect, vulnerable adult protection, drug and alcohol abuse, suicide intervention, and emotional trauma.

• Family Violence
• Child Abuse and Neglect
• Vulnerable Adult Protection
• Drug and Alcohol Abuse
• Suicide Intervention
• Eating Disorders
• Emotional Trauma

The Red Cross ESS unit answers calls in the following areas:

Mental Health counseling support after-hours (5pm-8am),

weekends & holiday (24 hours) in four Twin Cities counties:

Ramsey & Washington (651-291-6795)

Anoka & Scott (651-291-4680)

 

Mental Health assistance through law enforcement in Washington County

Stop Smoking program provided nationwide (access limited)

In all other areas of the Twin Cities, please call 911.

Need Red Cross
disaster assistance?
612-871-7676