Help 24-hours/day Published Dec. 17, 2008 By Airman 1st Class Amber Kelly-Woodward 375th Airlift Wing Public Affairs SCOTT AIR FORCE BASE, Ill. -- There are many available agencies on base to provide emergency assistance during duty hours, but where does one turn to when there is an emergency outside of duty hours? The phone number 256-HELP or 256-4357 is a 24-hour help line available to all Scott personnel. "256-HELP is a great all-in-one number that is easy to remember that can provide assistance for several different issues that may arise around the clock," said Sonya Herron, 375th Medical Operations Squadron Family Advocacy Program outreach manager. The 256-HELP line provides assistance for anyone in need of suicide help or deployment support or who is experiencing sexual assault, alcohol or drug abuse issues, child abuse/domestic violence and/or relationship problems. "There are many safety items that come up at all hours and people may not know where to go," said Ms. Herron. "If they have to wait until tomorrow they may not feel is still an emergency." Depending on the issue, callers are guided to the right place or given an appropriate phone number. Scott personnel are still encouraged to utilize other help lines, but the 256-HELP line is another tool for anyone in need of aid. "This line can be used by people who aren't willing or comfortable asking for help directly, but do need help," said Ms. Herron. "Also, for certain situations it takes people some time to determine that they do need help and it may be in the middle of the night." The help line was created by the Integrated Delivery System which is a joint group composed of the Airman and Family Readiness Center, the 375th Mental Health Flight, the 375th Family Advocacy Flight, the 375th Airlift Wing Chapel, the A.D.A.P.T. clinic and the Health and Wellness Center. The help line should not be used in lieu of 9-1-1.