← Help in Grant County

Someone cut themselves badly on purpose

Use when someone has cut or hurt themselves on purpose and the wound is bleeding or deep, or you're worried they might do it again or want to die.

In danger right now: call 911. Crisis or thoughts of suicide: call or text 988. Not sure where to start? Call the Silver City Gospel Mission: 575-388-5071. Police, fire or sheriff, not an emergency: 575-388-8840 (Central Dispatch). Print our list of phone numbers →
These are the same steps our staff use when they help someone. "They" means the person who needs help: you, or someone you are helping. Go in order, and call ahead when you can.

1Stop the bleeding and call 911 if it's bad

Call 911 if blood is spurting or soaking through, the cut is deep or gaping, or they took pills or want to die.
911 (Grant County Regional Dispatch)
Emergency: police, fire, ambulance
911
Silver City · 24/7
Put on gloves or use a plastic bag over your hand.
Press a clean cloth or gauze hard on the cut. Keep pressing. If blood soaks through, add more cloth on top.
For heavy bleeding, see the guide "Someone is bleeding badly".
Move the blade or other sharp object away, if it is safe to do so.

2Stay calm and kind

You can say"I'm glad you let me help. You're not in trouble."
Don't yell, shame or lecture. Don't make them promise to never do it again.
Stay with them. Send someone else to get Mission staff.

3Ask about suicide

You can ask"Were you trying to kill yourself? Are you thinking about it now?"
If yes, or if you're not sure, call 911 and do not leave them alone.
New Mexico Crisis and Access Line / 988
24/7 mental health and suicide crisis line
1-855-662-7474 · 24/7: 988
· 24/7
See the guide "Someone is in crisis or talking about suicide".

4Care for a smaller cut

When it stops bleeding, rinse with clean water and cover with a clean bandage.
Get care today if it gapes open, won't stop bleeding after 10 minutes of pressing, or was made with a dirty blade.
Watch for infection: redness, heat, swelling, pus, red streaks or fever.
Silver Health CARE
Urgent care (walk-in)
575-538-2981
1600 E 32nd St, Silver City · Urgent care Tue-Fri 9am-5pm, Sat 9am-3pm (closed Sun-Mon); clinic Mon-Fri 8-5
Silver City Street Outreach
Street medicine and harm reduction
575-519-5810
215 W. College Ave., Silver City

5Connect them to ongoing help

You can say"Would you be willing to talk with someone about what's going on?"
Hidalgo Medical Services
Tranquil Skies Community Health Center: Same-day medical and behavioral health
575-388-4412
1318 E. 32nd St., Silver City · Medical Tue-Fri 7:00 am-5:00 pm; behavioral health Mon-Fri 8:00 am-5:00 pm (both closed 12-1)
Southwest Counseling Center (formerly Border Area Mental Health Services)
Outpatient mental health and psychiatry
575-388-4497
315 S. Hudson St., Ste. 12, Silver City · Call for hours
New Mexico Crisis and Access Line (NMCAL)
Peer-to-Peer Warmline (call or text)
855-466-7100 · 24/7: 855-662-7474
· Call daily 3:00-11:30pm MT; text daily 6:00-11:00pm MT
At the Gospel MissionPeer support counselors and the case worker can follow up with them.
If they are a teen, see the guide "A teenager is struggling: sad, bullied, hurting themselves, or in trouble".

6After the emergency

Tell Mission staff. Write down what happened, the time, and who helped.

This guide is general information only, not medical, legal or other professional advice. Places and rules change, so please call before you go. In an emergency, call 911; in a mental health crisis, call or text 988. Disclaimer

Know a better way? Is something out of date?

If a number or place here is wrong, you know a better resource, or you know a better way to help, tell us. We automatically check reliable sources and update supported routine details. Unclear changes and safety guidance go to our staff for review.

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Print these steps · Find more places to get help · Hours and numbers change; please call ahead. Something wrong? Tell us
Questions, or want someone to walk through this with you? The Silver City Gospel Mission, 111 S. Texas St., Silver City, 575-388-5071, weekdays 9:00am-1:45pm. Everyone is welcome.