Nevada and the nation are poised for a dramatic expansion of behavioral health crisis response services beginning on July 16 when the new 988 number is rolled out for those seeking care related to a mental health crisis. In 2020, Congress approved transitioning behavioral health calls from the public safety crisis line, 911, and the ten-digit National Suicide Hotline number to the three-digit 988 number. The goals of the new crisis response system are to reduce behavioral health crises, including suicide, and provide a pathway to recovery and well-being.
The new 988 number is the nation’s response to increasing suicides and mental health crises that manifest in various societal concerns. The problem is serious and increasing in intensity. We know that for every person who dies by suicide, there are about 280 others who have seriously contemplated taking their own lives. Suicide is the tenth leading cause of death in the United States and the second leading cause for young people.
In Nevada, over 600 people die from suicide every year, the seventh highest rate in the nation. Deaths by suicide are the leading cause of death for Nevadans in the 10 to 17 age range.
One Number, Many Opportunities
Reducing the stigma of asking for help is also a goal of the crisis response system. 988 calls will be answered by trained counselors who can address immediate mental health needs and connect the caller to ongoing care 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Text and chat capabilities will also be built into the new system to increase access opportunities.
The federal legislation authorized states to create a fund to support the new Crisis Response System through the 988 crisis line, mobile crisis teams, and crisis stabilization centers. Nevada is one of just four states that have already established a mechanism for this purpose in preparation for the expansion of crisis services by passing SB 390 in the 2021 legislative session. The fund will be supported through a small surcharge on phone lines. Other funding sources have been identified to kick-start the new system, including a $20 million appropriation from the American Rescue Plan Act suggested by Governor Steve Sisolak and approved by the Interim Finance Committee this past June.
Where to Get Help Now
Although the 988 number will be operational on July 16, it’s going to take time to roll out enough mobile crisis teams and crisis stabilization centers to serve all of Nevada. Local teams of community advocates, state and local officials, and behavioral health experts are preparing implementation plans to ensure a seamless transition from the initial crisis call to a full range of community-based crisis care services to address behavioral health needs. If you live in another state, 988 should also be operational on July 16, but each region will have a different timeline for creating the mobile crisis teams and crisis stabilization centers that form the backbone of the new system.
In the short term, remember to call 911 if you need police, fire, or an ambulance. If you’re in need of suicide or mental health-related crisis support now or you’re worried about someone else, you can call or text 1-800-273-8255 or use the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline’s online chat to connect with a trained counselor. Beginning on July 16, however, please call 988 for behavioral health crisis services including suicidal thoughts, plans, and actions. 988 is available for anyone who is experiencing distress from a mental health-related problem or substance use crisis as well as people who are worried about someone in need of crisis support.
For more information, plan to attend the online session scheduled for Tuesday, July 19, at 9:00 a.m. PT, “988: More Than Just a Number.” Click here to register for this presentation and discussion or visit the VSRC’s Calendar page for other free mental health events.