NORFOLK –
Since the launch of the 24/7 Reserve Chaplain Hotline Apr. 1, 2020, the Commander, Navy Reserve Forces Command (CNRFC) Chaplains Office, and over 60 Reserve Chaplains, have provided counseling and support to over 230 Reserve Sailors and families in need during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The around-the-clock on-call hotline service, (757)-322-5650, is for Navy Reserve Force personnel and their families who are in need of counseling and spiritual services. While originally launched to support Sailors and families impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, dozens of Chaplains have provided services to those struggling with all kinds of challenges, not just COVID-19.
“There are a lot of Reserve Sailors out there who are experiencing stress,” said CNRFC Command Chaplain Capt. Brian J. Stamm. “We see this as a healthy outlet. Some individuals may not be willing to talk to somebody about some concerns, particularly concerns about mental health issues if they thought the conversation was not 100% confidential. This provides a safety valve.”
Only Navy Reserve force personnel and their families are authorized to use the service. Active duty Navy and civilian personnel are encouraged to use chaplain resources available locally at their command or installation.
“In any crisis, making sure you have someone to reach out and talk to is a way of reassuring hope,” Stamm added. “When you start to lose hope in a situation, you very easily lose perspective. That’s one thing we hope to do by providing a duty chaplain as someone you can call.”