☀️ A new day is here in the middle of a violent money hungry, disease plagued time in the US. IS there anything to support people through mental health emergencies?
YES!
In 2020, Congress created the new 988 dialing code to work in coordination with the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline. The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) is the lead federal agency that together, with the Federal Communications Commission & Department of Veterans Affairs, have worked to see this dream of 988 to fruition!
A move to a shorter 3 digits is a brand new idea to assist people in and expand the ability of National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (the Lifeline) ease of use !
988 is not only easier to memorize, it connects people to “compassionate, accessible care and support for anyone experiencing mental health related distress – whetherthat is thoughts of suicide, mental health or substance use crisis, or any other kind of emotional distress.”
I personally see this as crisis care evolving with the ever- changing needs of our society. As we do this for emergencies, and other nations ( Ukraine) seeing this happen here is a blessing. 988 is a number that should be in everyone’s household tonight next to 911!
I hope that it changes the way we react to mental health emergencies…these efforts should increase prevention and decrease the incidence of both suicide and homicide.
*Share it with your family today! *
