Concern Hotline was conceived in 1968 by a small group of people who were concerned about the high suicide rate in Winchester. It was not only the highest in the state but was more than double the national average.  Those concerned individuals – including Dr. Kic Kiczales, Patricia & Judge Henry Whiting, and Bettie Johnston – formed a task force to study the problem and develop a support service for people considering suicide.  In April 1970, Concern Hotline went into service for the City of Winchester, as well as Frederick and Clarke counties.  In 1978, the Northwestern Community Services Board awarded Concern Hotline the contract to provide 24-hour crisis intervention service to the City of Winchester and Frederick, Clarke, Warren, Shenandoah, and Page counties.