OHIO (WLIO) - Three numbers are helping Ohioans struggling with mental and substance abuse issues.
May is Mental Health Awareness Month, and state officials are talking about the success of the 988 program. The hotline helps people find local resources if they have thoughts of suicide, if they are having a mental health or substance abuse crisis, or if they are in emotional distress.
Ohio has 19 call centers, and trained professionals can help direct the caller to resources in their community. In 2023, the call centers responded to 163,000 contacts.
"At the end of the day, what we want is for all Ohioans to know that it is OK to ask for help. And help is available regardless of where you live in Ohio, and that help number is 988. We know that it will save lives," says LeeAnne Cornyn, Director of Ohio Mental Health & Addiction Services.
If you don't want to call, you can text 988 or chat online at 988lifeline.org.
