Cries for help pour into 988 mental health, suicide line

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The 988 mental health helpline has quickly expanded its reach in the six months since it launched, with over 2 million calls, texts and chat messages pouring in. “The call volume is, in some instances, well beyond what we anticipated.'

, it built on the existing network that staffed the old national lifeline, 1-800-273-8255. The new 988 number is designed to be as easy to remember as 911., overdose deaths and suicide rates have been on the rise.

Texting has been particularly popular, with the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration noting a 1,227% increase in texts to the line during that same time. Calls show no signs of slowing into this year, with counselors answering 3,869 calls on New Year’s Eve and the first day of 2023 — a 30 percent increase compared to the previous holiday. The Spanish language line saw an increase of 3,800 calls year over year from November 2021 to November 2022.Meanwhile, some states are considering unveiling their own lines dedicated to certain communities.

Having fellow American Indians answer those calls is crucial, because those familiar with the culture can immediately decode some terms that others cannot, said Rochelle Williams, the tribal operations manager for Volunteers of America Western Washington, which oversees the call center. For example, she said, when a caller says that a relative is “bothering me,” that sends up an immediate red flag: The person is likely signaling that they’re the victim of a sexual assault.

 

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Any evidence that it’s effective?

tarbel The FCC requirement for carriers to support 988 calling has been in place for only six months. But Sonic has been routing 988 calls for over three years now. Making mental health support a priority is something all carriers should have done.

You should vet some volunteers. That is something people could do from home..

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