Promotion of 988 by School Health Partners

 

 

 

Promotion of 988 by School Health Partners Minority Mental Health Awareness Month was created to spread awareness of struggles that racial and ethnic minorities are faced with regarding mental illness. Access to treatment is one of the biggest challenges faced by those looking for mental health supports. The Treatment Advocacy Center found that up to 50% of people killed by police were in the middle of a mental health crisis, with black people being three times more likely to be killed. Health advocates argue 911 was not designed for health crises, and can be detrimental to minorities. On July 16, ‘9-8-8’ went live nationally. 9-8-8 is a hotline to expand and strengthen the existing National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (also known as ‘the Lifeline’). It is a country-wide crisis center, established to improve access to crisis services, rather than just Emergency Medical Services (or 911).  School educators and health partners can spread this number through resources or promotions around the school. 9-8-8 connects people of all ages to counselors who are experienced on behavioral health, mental health, substance use topics, crisis intervention, mental health referrals and suicide prevention- it is also confidential, free and multi-lingual. Having this information to educate and refer children is essential for all children, but especially for minority children who may be experiencing any of these issues or concerns. Below are more resources that can be provided to educate school staff and health partners.

 

 

National Resources

 

988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline The Lifeline’s network of over 200 crisis centers has been in operation since 2005, and has been proven to be effective. It’s the counselors at these local crisis centers who answer the contacts the Lifeline receives every day. Numerous studies have shown that callers feel less suicidal, less depressed, less overwhelmed and more hopeful after speaking with a Lifeline counselor. This provides an overview of what is involved in 9-8-8 and how to get involved. Learn More

 

Suicide Prevention Resource Center (SPRC) 9-8-8 Implementation Resources These resources can help state, tribal, and territorial organizations and their partners implement the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. They include implementation tools, guidance on messaging about 988, and recommendations for establishing crisis services infrastructure. Learn More

 

988 Partner Toolkit This toolkit from SAMHSA recognizes the need for governments, states, territories, tribes, crisis centers, and partners to speak with one voice to ensure there is a clear understanding about what 988 is and how it will work. They encourage you to use these communication outreach materials and build upon them with your community coalitions to meet the needs of your specific audiences. Learn More