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Mental Health Crisis Line

All articles tagged with #mental health crisis line

mental-health2 years ago

"988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline Enhances Accessibility with ASL Services for Deaf and Hard of Hearing Callers"

The 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline in the US has launched American Sign Language (ASL) services for callers who are deaf, deaf-blind, or hard of hearing. ASL users can now connect with a trained ASL counselor by clicking on the "ASL Now" button on the 988 Lifeline website or by calling 1-800-273-TALK (8255) from their videophone. The launch of ASL services is part of an effort to make behavioral health care more accessible for underserved groups. The 988 Lifeline, which received nearly 5 million calls, texts, and online chat messages in its first year, is supported by the US Department of Health and Human Services and has received significant funding from the Biden administration.

mental-health2 years ago

"5 Million People Find Support Through 988 Mental Health Lifeline in First Year"

The 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, which replaced the 10-digit National Suicide Prevention Lifeline last year, received approximately 5 million calls, texts, and chats in its first year of operation, marking a 35% increase compared to the old line. While there have been improvements in response times and increased texting capabilities, mental health leaders emphasize the need for more awareness and resources to meet the line's full potential. The Biden administration has invested nearly $1 billion in launching 988, and efforts are underway to raise awareness and address staffing shortages. Privacy concerns, fears of unwanted police interactions, and the need for comprehensive post-call services are among the challenges that still need to be addressed.