Lafayette, LA – Residents of rural Louisiana now have a new resource to turn to for help with substance abuse. Beacon Community Connections, with funding and support from Ochsner Lafayette General’s HRSA Implementation III federal grant, has launched a confidential “warm line” aimed at improving access to behavioral health treatment and support.
A warm line is a non-emergency phone service staffed by trained peers who offer empathetic listening and connect callers to treatment resources. Unlike crisis hotlines, which are intended for immediate emergencies, warm lines are designed for those seeking help but not in acute distress. The Beacon Warm Line specifically targets individuals struggling with substance use, providing them with a compassionate space to discuss their challenges, receive guidance, and be directed to appropriate services.
“We’re committed to helping people in rural communities who may not have easy access to behavioral health services,” said Karen Wyble, PhD, Program Director at Ochsner Lafayette General. “This warm line is a vital resource for people seeking support and is part of a broader effort to reduce stigma surrounding substance use and provide better access to care.”
The program was funded by a $1 million grant spread over three years, with the goal of improving public understanding of evidence-based prevention, treatment, and recovery strategies for opioid and substance use disorders. The grant also aims to reduce stigma, especially in rural areas, and increase awareness about available resources. Since the program’s launch in 2023, Ochsner’s rural health clinic in Jennings has seen a remarkable 712.5% increase in the number of patients treated for opioid and substance use issues.
This initiative comes after multiple community outreach programs were conducted in the parishes of Acadia, Vermilion, and Jeff Davis, where residents expressed concerns about the challenges of accessing substance abuse treatment in their rural communities. In response, Beacon Community Connections partnered with Ochsner to create the 24/7 warm line.
Julia Shiryaev, Peer Support Specialist Coordinator at Beacon, emphasized the importance of the initiative. “Warm lines offer the purest form of peer support,” she said. “They provide a judgment-free space where individuals can talk through difficult emotions, receive guidance, and connect with other resources that can help.”
Since its inception, the Beacon Warm Line has already made an impact. In 2024 alone, Beacon’s peer support specialists responded to 575 patients in emergency rooms with substance use concerns. Of those patients, 99% received harm reduction education, Naloxone to prevent overdose deaths, and connections to both inpatient and outpatient treatment programs.
Holly Howat, PhD, Founder and Executive Director of Beacon Community Connections, noted, “This warm line is just one example of how we continue to innovate and respond to the needs of the communities we serve. We’re proud to be part of a movement that is working to erase the stigma associated with substance use and addiction, ensuring that everyone has access to the help they need.”
One client, Marieliz, shared her experience with the Beacon program: “As soon as I came home from rehab, my Peer Support Specialist was there to help me with clothes, Medicaid, and getting to meetings. When I need to talk, they give great advice. They’ve really helped me.”
With its combination of peer support, education, and access to critical resources, the Beacon Warm Line is positioned to be a game-changer for rural communities in Louisiana, offering hope and tangible help to those struggling with substance abuse.
For more information or to access the Beacon Warm Line, individuals can call [insert contact information here].