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On Friday, the HSS releasednew datathat showed a significant increase in calls, answer rates, and wait times in August 2022 compared to the same time last year. The 988 Lifeline reported 361,140 total calls, chats, and texts to the hotline in the first month with an average answer speed of 42 seconds.
“Our nation’s transition to 988 moves us closer to better serving the crisis care needs of people across America,” HHS Secretary Xavier Becerra said in arelease. “988 is more than a number, it’s a message: we’re there for you. The transition to 988 is just the beginning. We will continue working towards comprehensive, responsive crisis care services nationwide to save lives.”
Due to the progress, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) announced a new$35 million grant opportunityto support 988 Lifeline services, resulting in more trained crisis counselors being able to connect with those in need of help.
“We want everyone to know that there is hope. Whether you’re experiencing thoughts of suicide, a mental health or substance use crisis, or any other kind of emotional distress, there is compassionate, accessible care and support,” said Dr. Miriam Delphin-Rittmon, HHS Assistant Secretary for Mental Health and Substance Use and leader of SAMHSA. “With rising levels of anxiety, depression, and other mental illnesses — and the devastating number of overdose deaths — it is crucial that people have somewhere to turn when they’re in crisis.”
On July 16, the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline made the transition to 988 in order to serve as aneasy-to-access hotlinefor people struggling with a mental health crisis. The Lifeline’s previous phone number, 1-800-273-8255, still remains active after the three-digit phone number launched.
In the United States, suicide is the second leading cause of death among individuals between the ages of 10 and 34, and it is the fourth leading cause of death among individuals between the ages of 35 and 44, according to the NIMH.
In an interview with thePhiladelphia Inquirer, Matthew Wintersteen, a clinical psychologist at Thomas Jefferson University, explained that the 988 number would be easier to remember and therefore more helpful than Lifeline’s previous 10-digit phone number. “When somebody is in a crisis, they need to be able to easily access, who do I call? Where can I go? And the idea is that 988 will become that number,” Wintersteeen said.
source: people.com
