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Podcast: The Jefferson Exchange
Episode:

YouthLine brings peer-based crisis support to southern Oregon
Category: News & Politics
Duration: 00:15:07
Publish Date: 2026-01-15 22:11:59
Description:
A group of people stand shoulder to shoulder with their arms around one another, wearing YouthLine shirts and facing away from the camera.
YouthLine is staffed by trained youth volunteers who provide peer-to-peer support for young people. The organization is expanding outreach efforts in southern Oregon.
( Youthline)

YouthLine, a crisis and support line where young people talk with other young people, is expanding its outreach in southern Oregon, with a focus on building connections with young people, schools, and community groups across the region.

YouthLine runs call centers in Portland and Bend, staffed by youth volunteers and young adult interns, who undergo extensive training and are supervised by highly skilled clinicians. The organization has served ages 10 to 24 since 2000 and is an accredited crisis service through the American Association of Suicidology.

"I'm looking forward to building connections in southern Oregon," said Pan Hamsa, Youthline's southern Oregon coordinator. She said the goal is to reduce stigma around mental health and help young people understand what support is available to them.

Beyond answering calls and texts through the crisis line, YouthLine also serves as a youth development program, offering mentorship, skill-building, and workforce experience for volunteers and interns, while encouraging open conversations about mental health and help-seeking.

If you or someone you know needs support:

Youth volunteers are available daily from 4–10 p.m. Pacific Time. Adults are available by phone at all other times.

Guest

  • Pan Hamsa, YouthLine Outreach Coordinator
Pan Hamsa, YouthLine outreach coordinator joins Jefferson Exchange host Mike Green in the JPR studio on Jan. 15, 2026.
Pan Hamsa, YouthLine outreach coordinator joins Jefferson Exchange host Mike Green in the JPR studio on Jan. 15, 2026. (JPR Senior Producer Natalie Golay)
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