988 is a beneficial service in Southwest Virginia
There are some telephone numbers that are etched into our psyche because they have been utilized over and over through the years. Everyone by now should be aware of dialing 911 in an emergency to be connected with local authorities. You can gain local information related to your locality by dialing 211 Virginia and you can still call 540-3429011 to obtain the time and weather in the Roanoke Valley. There is also a beneficial service that is available by dialing 988 from anywhere in the US and these 3 digits are proving to be beneficial to residents of Southwest Virginia.
When people call, text, or chat 988, they will be connected to trained counselors that are part of the existing Lifeline network. These trained counselors will listen, understand how their problems are affecting them, provide support, and connect them to resources if necessary.
Roanokers make 200 calls monthly to 988
President Joe Biden launched the 988 services in July of 2022 because he said he is committed to providing mental health services for those in need. News 10 is reporting that since this program launched there has been a 50% increase in 988 calls in Southwest Virginia and that 200 calls monthly come in from Roanoke. You can call for assistance 24/7 and Sherry Feathers a representative of the service told News 10 they have staff around the clock on weekends and holidays.
Community resources are available,” “Also, if someone is having a serious emergency, we can dispatch a mobile crisis clinician to come and talk to them immediately. So, the important thing is that we get the people the most appropriate help they need in the moment.”
988 was initiated in 2020 as an alternative- easier to dial and remember than the previous 10-digit crisis and suicide prevention hotline number. Please spread the word so that 988 will be as easy to recall in a time of need as 911.
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