Kansas Suicide Prevention HQ (KSPHQ) proudly announces the official launch of the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. As of July 16, 988 will serve as the new number for the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (NSPL).
Now, 988 is active on all phone carriers. Dialing 988 from any phone line will connect individuals, regardless of location, to a crisis call center staffed by trained crisis counselors who are prepared to help individuals navigate any mental health concern. These 988 crisis services are available at any time, 24 hours a day and 365 days a year.
Beyond the wider accessibility of this new phone number, 988 crisis services also provide other benefits for local Kansas communities. Initially, 988 will reduce the need for law enforcement agencies to respond to mental health crises. Current data from the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (NSPL) shows that the majority of callers (over 80%) are able to receive the help they need over the phone; this reduces the need for an in-person crisis response, providing the least-restrictive type of care to individuals across Kansas.
In addition, 988 services also seek to reduce the need for emergency department visits. Calling 988 directly connects individuals with help without a visit to an emergency department. Far too many Kansans have had to spend hours, sometimes days, waiting in hospitals for appropriate help to be identified. With 988 counselors being thoroughly trained to de-escalate crises and connect people to ongoing services, many individuals can avoid an expensive trip to the emergency department.
For more information about 988 crisis services, visit ksphq.org/988. In addition to 988 crisis phone services, other online crisis chat options are always available at ksphq.org/help.
Original source can be found here
Alerts Sign-up