To the editor:

The termination of Marcia Epstein, director of Headquarters for the last 34 years, by the Headquarters, Inc., board and ending the overnight services provided by HQ’s Counseling Center seem extreme and likely to place continuation of the crisis center in jeopardy.

The loss of these services can’t be overstated. Thousands of callers per month have received help from Headquarters for 44 years. Overnight hours can be especially difficult for depressed persons considering suicide. Having local call-in services is important. Distant call-in centers to which calls will be forwarded will not be knowledgeable about local services.

Also, the loss of Marcia Epstein as director is immeasurable. Marcia has tirelessly dedicated herself to Headquarters and crisis services for Lawrence. This removal seems poorly thought out, based on the little information provided by the board. Marcia’s efforts led to Headquarters, Inc.’s most recent push to increase suicide prevention services for youth in Kansas through a large federal grant, and she is a respected professional in suicide prevention. Her work helped HQ earn the Crisis Center Excellence Award this year from the American Association of Suicidology.

The effects of Marcia’s firing will be far-reaching. Under her leadership, HQ has tailored programs to meet the community’s needs for adults and children, and created a caring community both for clients and HQ volunteers. Volunteers go on to be involved in other community endeavors. My own training at HQ, subsequent counseling experience, and training of volunteers made me a better professional social worker and person.

Headquarters’ services are still greatly needed. These actions seriously jeopardize this legacy.