The Houston Independent School District has announced the launch of Let’s Stay Connected, a mental health hotline for students and parents to provide emotional, social, and psychological support to students and parents who feel the need for assistance.

Students and parents may call the Let’s Stay Connected Hotline at 713-556-1340 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Trained staff from HISD’s Social and Emotional Learning Department are available to offer counseling, mental health education, and make referrals in English and Spanish.

“One of the consequences of the COVID-19 crisis we have seen is an increase in the need for mental health support among our students and parents,” Interim Superintendent Grenita Lathan said. “May is Mental Health Awareness Month so what better time to launch our hotline to address families’ needs in a way that is easily accessible and at no cost to them.”

Callers to the hotline may remain anonymous.

All HISD staff members are reminded they have access to the Employee Assistance Program (EAP), which may be reached by calling 833-812-5181 and is offered at no cost to employees.