Nevada’s 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline unveiled a statewide rebranding Thursday to “Nevada 988” after research found that less than 20 percent of Nevadans were aware of the service.
The rebranding is part of a broader effort to increase awareness and educate residents about how 988 can be used to access behavioral health support before a crisis develops.
“This is the first step of many to spread awareness and educate Nevadans on how 988 can be used in their communities for safe, real-time behavioral health help,” Crisis Response Section Manager Rachel Isherwood said at a press conference in downtown Reno. “We want Nevadans and their friends, families and caregivers to know who to call before they reach a crisis.”
Nevada 988 provides immediate emotional and mental health support, as well as assistance for substance use issues. Trained crisis counselors are available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year through phone calls, text messages and online chat, offering support, screenings for suicide risk and empathetic listening.
“My administration is dedicated to expanding mental health services in Nevada, including opening a second 988 call center in Southern Nevada and ensuring steady funding for the program," Gov. Lombardo said in a written statement. "It’s essential that every Nevadan knows they can reach this vital resource whenever they need it."
To increase awareness, the Division of Public and Behavioral Health will conduct a statewide outreach campaign this year in partnership with its call center partners and NAMI Nevada. The effort includes the launch of a new website designed to help people access support more quickly.
“It’s important we are successful in encouraging Nevadans to remember 988 before they need it,” said Robin Reedy, executive director of NAMI Nevada. “Awareness matters, but awareness alone is not enough. In a mental health crisis, the worst time to figure out where to turn is during the crisis itself.”
Nevada 988 operates through a contract with Carelon Behavioral Health, which opened a second 988 call center in Southern Nevada last year. The center works alongside Crisis Support Services of Nevada’s Northern Nevada call center, with both facilities supporting each other during periods of high demand to increase capacity and help ensure more calls are answered locally.
State officials are encouraging residents to save 988 in their phones, share the number with family and friends, and remember that support is available year-round. People who contact 988 are connected with a trained professional who provides real-time support.
