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

Rainbow Trails for children experiencing loss of a loved one

 

Now hiring: Afterschool & Mentoring Programs

 

Job Position: Kinship Search Specialist

 

988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline Volunteer and Job Opportunities

988 centers are looking for empathetic volunteers, employees, and interns to serve as crisis counselors answering phone, chats and texts, as well as managers with advanced degrees.

On July 16, 2022, the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (1-800-273-8255) will transition to an easy-to-remember, 3-digit number (988). This represents an unprecedented opportunity to strengthen and expand the existing network of over 200 locally operated and funded crisis centers across the country.

In advance of the 988 transition in July, the Lifeline Suicide & Crisis Network is looking to bring on new volunteers and paid employees to answer calls, chats, and texts from people in crisis. 

https://www.samhsa.gov/find-help/988/jobs

Need Support Now?

If you need suicide or mental health-related crisis support, or are worried about someone else, please call or text 1-800-273-8255 or visit the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline’s chat to connect with a trained crisis counselor.

VOCATIONAL REHABILITATION TECHNICIAN - 48004769

 Listed below is an Area 5 position posted with People First.  Applicants for this position must submit an online State of Florida Employment Application in People First on or before the posted closing date.  If you have any questions related to this vacancy please contact me or the hiring supervisor identified below.

The following link will take you directly to the job postings:    VOCATIONAL REHABILITATION TECHNICIAN - 48004769

POSITION NUMBER	POSITION TITLE	POSITION LOCATION	CONTACT	CLOSE DATE
48004769	VR Technician	600 8th Avenue W Palmetto	Ericka Randall, Area Supervisor Ericka.Randall@vr.fldoe.org 941-721-2850	5/08/2022

 

To be considered for this position please submit an online State of Florida Employment Application in People First at https://peoplefirst.myflorida.com on or prior to the closing date of this requisition.  In the event you have any questions related to this vacancy please contact me or the hiring supervisor identified above.  Please additionally feel free to share this job opportunity with divisional colleagues interested in professional advancement or persons outside our organization desirous of joining our VR Team.

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