Attorney General Bob Ferguson announced the launch of HearMeWA, a statewide reporting system focused on the safety and well-being of young people in Washington. The initiative aims to remove barriers for youth seeking help with challenges such as bullying, social pressures, suicidal thoughts, and threats of violence.
HearMeWA provides a direct line to a national crisis center 24/7, allowing reports via phone, text, online, or mobile apps available on Apple and Google stores. Crisis counselors triage these reports and connect individuals with appropriate service providers.
Unlike similar systems that rely solely on schools to respond, HearMeWA offers alternatives beyond educational institutions or emergency services. This is particularly crucial in rural areas where emergency services may be the only available resource for youth in crisis.
“Young Washingtonians are facing a mental health crisis unlike anything we have seen before,” Ferguson stated. “HearMeWA removes roadblocks that previously kept young people from seeking help for their most urgent challenges. This will improve — and save — lives.”
Data indicates that eating disorders among adolescents more than doubled from 2018 to 2022. The rate of depression among young people nearly doubled from 2009 to 2019, reaching almost 16%. According to Forbes, 57.7% of Washington youth with depression do not receive mental health services.
Members of the HearMeWA Youth Advisory Group have been involved in its creation and outreach efforts. Makena Crosser of Bainbridge Island emphasized the program's importance: “For me, HearMeWA is essential for Washington’s youth because it lets them know that they are supported and people are there for them if they need help.”
Noah Aquino from Ocean Shores highlighted unique challenges faced by rural communities: “The geographic isolation and close-knit nature can sometimes lead to feelings of shame or fear of judgment when struggling with emotional health issues... I believe youth will feel more comfortable to be forthcoming and get the help they need.”
Reports can be filed by calling 888-537-1634 or visiting HearMeWA.org. Youth up to age 25 and concerned adults can file anonymously if they choose. Each report receives a tip ID and password for tracking purposes.
Upon receiving a report, trained crisis counselors at the Sandy Hook Promise National Crisis Center assess its urgency. Immediate threats are routed to emergency responders while less urgent cases are directed to other types of responders.
Sandy Hook Promise operates similar programs across states and serves approximately 3.5 million youth nationwide. Crystal Garrant, Chief Program Officer at Sandy Hook Promise said: “All young Washingtonians have the right to physical and emotional safety. HearMeWA will provide a lifeline.”
The grassroots effort began in Kennewick after several youth suicides led college student Conner Mertens and then-state Sen. Sharon Brown to explore mental health resources in Washington state.
From 2021-2023, extensive outreach was conducted involving over 1,300 youth-centered organizations across all counties in Washington State.
To learn more about HearMeWA or file a report, visit HearMeWA.org.
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