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 east coast average.  This phenomenon was attributed to the high number of returning Viet Nam war veterans who had no access to mental health services or support. Those concerned individuals – including Dr. Kic Kiczales, Patricia & Judge Henry Whiting, and Bettie Johnston – formed a task force to study the problem and developed 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.

Concern Hotline is a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization incorporated in the state of Virginia on April 16th, 1979.

Our mission is to comfort, calm, and assist those in need by providing crisis intervention and suicide prevention services through compassionate listening and empathetic support via trained volunteers on a 24-hour hotline.