988 is the Suicide and Crisis Hotline, and on Thursday, the leaders behind it in Nevada held an event to remind the public of when to use the resource, why it matters, and how it can help Nevadans in a moment of crisis.
Rachel Isherwood, the crisis response section manager for the State Division of Public and Behavioral Health, says when they started researching, they found that only 20% of Nevadans were aware of 988 and how to use it.
They now have a website that you can go to by clicking the link here.
Mai Tran, the community engagement manager for Carelon Behavioral Health, tells us how important it is to teach people how to use 988.
"What we're finding is that a lot of folks are just not sure of when to reach out or why you would want to reach out, so that's been really helpful," they said.
They also say, "I know that a little over 80% of our calls are really about being stabilized and de-escalated during that call, but to talk about the community and bringing education, I think folks are more inclined and are feeling more comfortable when they're educated on how to utilize it. It's making them more comfortable to actually reach out."
Christian Raymer, the chief programs and development officer for Crisis Support Services of Nevada, explains the service. "The 988 network as a whole has a national backup center, so when you call 988, you are guaranteed to get a live person. Our goal is to make sure we answer as many of those calls here in Nevada as possible."
He adds, "With 988, you're going to get great support. You're going to get someone who's trained to listen, and many times we feel that we don't want to talk about something because of how we've been responded to by other people. With 988, it really is a safe place."
Robin Reedy, the executive director of NAMI Nevada, tells us that they want to spread the word so everyone is aware of the resource, so they can have support when faced with a crisis.
"This is probably the biggest change in mental health in this state to actually have a three-digit number that you can call and get help, and most all the calls are actually handled... 80% of them... within the call itself."
988 is available through call, chat, or text and is completely free and confidential. They also have deaf or hard-of-hearing options as well.
Isherwood speaks on the resource, "It's important because we want people to know that they're not alone, and we want to reduce the rates of suicide in our state and across the country. We want to make sure that folks understand that you don't have to do it alone."
The presentation reminded folks why the line matters and how it can help in a moment of crisis.
