Currently, most people who have a mental health emergency call 911.
The issue is that mental health requirements were not considered when 911 was designed. Callers either find up in a chaotic emergency department where they must wait for hours or even days to receive care, or they deal with law enforcement, which may result in tragedy or trauma.
In the United States, there is now a new option for people who are in need of assistance to get it. They can just dial or text the numbers 9-8-8 starting on Saturday.
The new 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, is modeled after 911. Is intended to be a rapid and memorable number that links people who are experiencing suicidal thoughts or any other type of mental health crisis with a qualified mental health practitioner.
According to Xavier Becerra, the secretary of the federal Department of Health and Human Services, “if you are willing to turn to someone in your moment of crisis, 988 will be there, 988 won’t be a busy signal, and 988 won’t put you on hold. You will get help.”
The new number’s main objective is to make it simpler for consumers to call for assistance. This launch is also seen by lawmakers and mental health advocates as a chance to change the mental health care system, and make treatment freely accessible nationwide. In order to support the 988 system, the Biden administration has spent more than $400 million improving crisis centers and other mental health services.
The issue is that mental health requirements were not considered when 911 was designed. Callers either find up in a chaotic emergency department where they must wait for hours or even days to receive care, or they deal with law enforcement, which may result in tragedy or trauma.
In the United States, there is now a new option for people who are in need of assistance to get it. They can just dial or text the numbers 9-8-8 starting on Saturday.
The new 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, is modeled after 911. Is intended to be a rapid and memorable number that links people who are experiencing suicidal thoughts or any other type of mental health crisis with a qualified mental health practitioner.
According to Xavier Becerra, the secretary of the federal Department of Health and Human Services, “if you are willing to turn to someone in your moment of crisis, 988 will be there, 988 won’t be a busy signal, and 988 won’t put you on hold. You will get help.”
The new number’s main objective is to make it simpler for consumers to call for assistance. This launch is also seen by lawmakers and mental health advocates as a chance to change the mental health care system, and make treatment freely accessible nationwide. In order to support the 988 system, the Biden administration has spent more than $400 million improving crisis centers and other mental health services.
