Here at the Chronic Illness Hotline, we aim to help our chronic illness community get through things together and feel less isolated. We are founded and run by individuals with chronic illnesses themselves. While we are new, we plan to grow into a service that can meet the needs of anyone reaching out.
The unique experiences of a life with health disparities, the quest for diagnosis, and the emotional journey to acceptance is only understood by someone who has also experienced it. If it affects your life – it effects your health. We are here to provide a non-judgmental and supportive safe space to process anything that matters to you.
Text keyword “care” to 202-596-6520 to begin
We are committed to doing all we can to support dismantling white supremacy, especially within the medical community. Racial bias increases unfair practices with a high risk of debilitating and deadly consequences. We believe and support all texters experiencing this.
As a public health firm, we want to take an extra step to commit to doing all we can to support those working to decrease the atrocious death rate of Black women during childbirth.
Details
When you text “care” to 202-596-6520 you will receive an introductory message. Be prepared to answer the question “how can we best support you?” There is no right answer – we are just looking to know what it is you want to discuss so we can provide assistance.
Because we are an all-volunteer program, please see the calendar on our homepage to see what time each day our Compassion Counselors are returning text messages.
What We are Not & Why
If you are experiencing a medical emergency – please call 911.
While we are here to support you, we are not an active crisis hotline. There are many amazing 24/7 hotlines that are better suited to handle suicide and active crisis. Their unique training and experience is what is needed to get you the help you deserve.
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline:
1-800-273-8255
Crisis Text Line: text HOME to 741741
National Domestic Violence Hotline:
1-800-799-SAFE
National Sexual Assault Hotline by RAINN (Rape, Abuse, and Incest National Network:) 1-800-656-HOPE
Unfortunately, we are not a support line that can provide you with the best doctor for your disorder in your area. It is common for people to struggle to find a doctor who makes them feel heard, cared about, and properly treated. We can link you with foundations and support groups where individuals with your health issues can best advise based on their experiences.
Our Founder
Cyndii Sinex, MPH is a public health practitioner trained as a behavior intervention specialist who is passionate about resiliency. She never thought she’d have to use her skills on her own life but after a lifetime of dealing with misdiagnosis and medical error, patient advocacy has become vital to her. Now that she is combining her experience with her education, Cyndii hopes to build a legacy that amplifies the needs of marginalized communities.
Cyndii also enjoys too much reality tv, cooking & baking, forgetting to water her plants, and rewatching The Office with her partner & their cat Professor Meow Meow.
For more information, please read https://chronicillnesshotline.org/meet-our-founder/