Isley Cotton Bio Photo

Isley Cotton, MSW, MDiv

Youth Suicide Prevention Coordinator

My lived experience in youth inspired my dedication to reducing stigma and promoting help-seeking for those struggling with suicidal thoughts.

Institution

North Carolina Department of Human Health Services

School

School of Medicine

Expertise

Suicide prevention and postvention; promoting protective factors; reducing stigma

Department

Comprehensive Suicide Prevention Team

Division of Public Health

Injury and Violence Prevention Branch

Professional Bio

Isley Cotton serves as Youth Suicide Prevention Coordinator with the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, Injury and Violence Prevention Branch. Isley has more than 16 years of social work experience with underserved populations in the public health, social services, and public school settings. Isley received a Bachelor of Social Work degree from Methodist University, Master of Divinity degree from Liberty University, and Master of Social Work degree from the University of New England-Portland.
Select Language »

How to Find Help Right Now

If you or someone else needs help right now, do not wait. Use these resources below to get help.

988

Lifeline

Available 24/7/365. Free. Confidential.
Connect to judgment-free counselors who provide compassionate support.

Free and confidential. Available 24/7/365. Staffed by trained crisis counselors who can help you take care of yourself, a friend, or loved one.

Free and confidential. Available 24/7/365. Connect with a real, qualified person who can support veterans and family members. You don’t have to be enrolled in VA benefits or health care to call.

Free and confidential. Available 24/7/365. Trained counselors who understand the challenges LGBTQ+ young people face and provide judgement-free support.

Free and confidential. Available 24/7/365. Exclusively for current and former law enforcement personnel and their families. Staffed by trained and compassionate retired officers.

Free and confidential. Open Monday-Friday from 1:00pm-9:00pm. Staffed by trans/nonbinary peer operators. No nonconsensual active rescue.

Free and available 24/7/365 (English only). Staffed by certified peer support specialists who have personal experiences with mental health or substance use issues.

Free and confidential. Open Monday-Friday from 8:30am-5:00pm. Trained staff and volunteers can help individuals and family members who are impacted by mental health concerns.

Free and confidential. Available 24/7/365. Staffed by trained Community Resource Specialists who can make referrals to verified resources for basic needs such as housing and utility assistance, food, health care, transportation, and more.

Free and confidential. Available 24/7/365 in English and Spanish. It serves individuals and family members who face mental and/or substance use disorders and offers referrals to local treatment options, support groups, and community-based organizations.

Free and confidential. Available 24/7/365 in multiple languages. Staffed by trained counselors and open to anyone who experiences emotional distress related to disasters (survivors, loved ones, first responders, clergy, rescue and recovery workers, and more).

This website uses cookies and similar technologies to understand visitor experiences. By using this website, you consent to UNC-Chapel Hill’s cookie usage in accordance with their Privacy Notice.