Home America has a lifeline; help is available through the national 988 helpline
State/U.S. News

America has a lifeline; help is available through the national 988 helpline

Martin Ringstaff

988 lifeline We can all help prevent suicide. This month marks two years since our nation launched 988, the easy-to-remember, nationwide mental health crisis helpline.

Since launch, 988 has received over 8 million calls from people in distress seeking support when they need it most.

988 is confidential, effective and available to everyone via phone, text or chat.

America has a lifeline.

Spread the word: Help is available.

According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA):

  • 988 callers connect quickly with trained crisis counselors.
  • Crises are typically de-escalated. Less than 2 percent of 988 calls require response from emergency services. Many callers report that their call prevented them from taking their life.
  • People feel better after calling. Numerous studies of 988 calls have shown that the majority of callers were significantly more likely to feel less depressed and more hopeful after speaking with a crisis counselor.
  • 34 percent of 988 calls are about mental health concerns other than suicide.

Don’t wait.

If someone you know is struggling emotionally or having a hard time, you can be the difference in getting them the help they need by calling 988 or seeking help at a licensed behavioral health facility.

As a behavioral healthcare provider right here Augusta County, our team at Liberty Point Behavioral Healthcare is dedicated to supporting individuals in a manner that promotes hope, resiliency, connectedness and recovery.

We are proud to partner with the local 988 network and are a resource for individuals needing help.

Martin Ringstaff is the CEO of Liberty Point Behavioral Healthcare in Staunton.

988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline sees increase of 2 million contacts, adds Spanish, LGBTQI+ outreach
Published date: July 16, 2023 | 1:30 pm

 $1 million allocated to expand 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline in Virginia
Published date: December 16, 2022 | 5:38 pm

988: ‘More than a number, it’s a message: we’re there for you’
Published date: September 9, 2022 | 3:59 pm

HHS Deputy Secretary will visit Virginia Crisis Center to discuss transition to 988 hotline
Published date: July 21, 2022 | 3:25 pm

Bipartisan message to Senate: ‘We cannot afford to wait’ on support for 988 lifeline
Published date: July 18, 2022 | 4:37 pm

988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline three-digit dialing set to begin
Published date: July 16, 2022 | 9:31 am

988 phone response designed to be source of ‘hope, connection, empathy and care’
Published date: July 13, 2022 | 4:02 pm

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