The column discussing concerns with CAPS, ("Student snaps, turned away by CAPS," Feb. 5 column) prompts me to make all members of the Penn State community aware that there are two non-Penn State resources available, and adequately staffed on a 24/7 basis, for anyone in crisis.

The first is the county-funded CAN-HELP line (800-643-5432) that not only provides over-the-phone crisis intervention, but also will send one of their workers out, on very short notice, to meet at the client's location. The second is the Community Help Line (237-5855), funded largely by United Way, that also offers 24/7 phone-in crisis help.

Neither of these offers long-term therapy, but their crisis intervention alone is a critical resource to serve both Penn State students and the community at large. And I would certainly expect CAPS to refer students to these resources if, for any reason, CAPS cannot make its own services immediately available in a crisis situation.