988 aims to improve access to emergency mental health help

Mental health care services are not always readily accessible, and some emergency responders, like those who are part of a 911 response, are not always equipped to address a mental health crisis. To better address mental health needs, the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline has created 988, an easy three digit number that someone in distress can call.

Cre Larson, the executive director of First Call for Help of Itasca County, one of the call centers where 988 numbers are routed, told WTIP that “We’re hoping that everyone of any age that feels like they need supports. They need someone to talk to. They’re in distress. They need to be connected to resources. They’re in a mental health crisis. They might be feeling suicidal. They might have a family member that is in distress, and they need guidance. Anybody of any age would know that 988 is a number that’s available for you to call and available for you to text or chat to.”

Larson added that the call centers are trained crisis counselors to help callers navigate their situation. She also said that there is never a bad time or reason for someone to call the help-line. She said “We find it’s better for someone to feel comfortable to use 988, before a complete crisis has happened.”

When someone calls 988, the crisis counselors can talk them through the immediate situation, and can also help connect them to more resources, including local resources for the caller.

Calls are geo-routed to call centers in the general area based on where a call is coming from. Larson said that because each call center covers vast areas of the state, callers are able to stay as anonymous as they want, while still speaking to someone with some knowledge of the area, and what resources are available.

More information on the 988 system can be found on the national website.

WTIP’s Kirsten Wisniewski spoke with Cre Larson of First Call for Help about the 988 number.

Kirsten Wisniewski August 22, 2024