New 988 Suicide and Crisis Hotline debuts. Are local centers prepared for a surge in calls? - Publication Date |
- Jul 19, 2022
- Episode Duration |
- 00:51:59
On this edition of Your Call, we're discussing the rollout of the 988 Suicide and Crisis Hotline, which is now live. People experiencing mental health crises can call or text 988 to seek support from a trained mental health professional.
The goal is to connect people immediately and reduce confrontations with law enforcement. The new line will also provide specialized services for Spanish speakers, veterans, and LGBTQ youth, who are four times more likely to attempt suicide than their peers, according to The Trevor Project.
This hotline will save lives, according to mental health advocates. What will it take to ensure local crisis clinics are fully funded and staffed well into the future?