The new 988 suicide prevention hotline starts soon. Here’s how to use it in Kansas City
Starting on Saturday, July 16, people experiencing mental health crises, substance abuse issues or suicidal thoughts can call or text 988 for expert guidance and help. The number is designed to be easy to remember, like 911.
Whoever calls the number will be directed to the National Suicide Prevention Hotline, which connects to over 200 local crisis centers in the United States. Kansas City-area callers will be forwarded to CommCARE in Missouri or Johnson County Crisis Line in Kansas, which recently added four full-time crisis call specialists in preparation.
In addition to being an easy to remember number, the purpose of the 988 line is to make mental health support more easily accessible and to decrease the involvement of law enforcement in matters of mental health and substance abuse, according to the National Suicide Hotline Designation Act.
WHAT WILL 988 DO FOR YOU?
Trained counselors and response teams will be available 24/7 through the hotline.
Michelle Watson, CommCARE’s call center director that oversees the greater Kansas City region, said they’ll listen to the caller’s problems, assess their needs and support the caller by offering advice and sharing helpful resources.
“We provide assistance at any time,” Watson said. “When it’s beyond business hours, on the weekend, overnight. When people are struggling, they’re able to reach out for help.”
The counselors may connect callers with local mental health centers if they recommend that the caller follow up with someone at one of the centers after the call.
They’re also available through 988 to talk if someone just needs a comforting voice on the other end of the line to listen, a service called a “warmline.”
“That’s so invaluable when you have people that have life issues that are beyond business hours,” Watson said. “Maybe they’re connected with a therapist, but that therapist only works 9-to-5 or they’re connected to a professional agency to help, but they’re only available during business hours.”
If the counselor is worried the caller’s life may be in danger and needs a last resort, they may alert local emergency services.
HOW DO YOU KNOW WHEN TO CALL?
Crisis is defined by the person calling. You can call any time you have concerns about yourself or a loved one, and if you’re feeling really stressed, anxious, alone or in need of some assistance with your mental wellbeing. These are some of the issues people will call for:
Mental health-related distress
Thoughts of suicide
Substance use crisis
Emotional distress
Special services are also available for veterans, LGBTQ individuals and other groups.
“It doesn’t matter what Missouri resident might call,” Watson said. “They’ll be able to get the same type of support when they call the crisis lines.”
This story was originally published July 15, 2022 at 10:19 AM.
