The Mental Health Version of 9-1-1 Is Launching Everywhere in July and It’s About Time
In an emergency, you dial 9-1-1.
But what do you do when you’re experiencing your own personal emergency?
One that involves your mental health and overall well-being?
For people experiencing suicidal thoughts, depression or other mental health symptoms, it can almost seem like there is nowhere to turn.
While it may be long overdue, there is a helpline short-code that is launching for this very thing.
The Mental Health Version of 9-1-1
On July 16, 2022 the mental health version of 9-1-1 is coming.
The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is getting a new number that is easier than ever to remember…
All you have to do is dial 988 for crisis intervention.
The NSPL is not getting rid of their 10 digit number, just making it easier to call them.
What Happens When you Dial 988?
When you dial 988 come July, you will be connected to the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline which is a network of 200 nationwide crisis centers.
It is equivalent to 911 that it will connect you to trained mental health professionals who can help.
988 will not have all the resources 911 has. However, the two networks will be closely communicating in case emergency resources are needed.
If you ask me, this is something long overdue in this country.
The only downside to this is, many agencies are saying they are not ready to take on the additional call load the 3-digit number is expected to bring.
Many states are saying they are not equipped with staffing or even trained professionals to take on this work.
I surely hope things get worked out by the launch date because with the last 2 years, inflation and current economics, I think people everywhere could use somewhere to turn to when they are feeling down and hopeless.
