The new nationwide hotline number for people who are in crisis has been able to get local people the assistance they need.
On Saturday, the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline changed over to the 9-8-8 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. People who are experiencing a mental health or addiction crisis can either call, text, or chat by dialing 9-8-8. One of the resources that local people are connected with is Coleman Health Services. Over the first weekend, the agency got 46 calls from 9-8-8 in their 14 county service region.
“The 988 will give individuals access to resources and trained individuals that will be able to assist them regardless of what they are calling for,” says Margaret Lawrence, Chief Officer of Coleman Health Services. “The crisis can be mental health and substance use crisis or could just be a question on where can I go to get help.”
Research shows that most calls to a lifeline can be managed through a consultation on the phone but if a person needs an emergency in-person response, 9-8-8 will connect the person in crisis with a mobile response team to meet them at their location.
To view the entire document, click on the PDF below:
