James Donaldson on Mental Health – Mental health professionals worry about possible cuts to 988 suicide hotline funding: ‘A detriment’

By Elaina Athans 

RALEIGH, N.C. (WTVD) — The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS) says that since the 988 Suicide Hotline was launched in July 2022, more than 219,000 calls have been answered. NCDHHS said the state is a national leader in operating 988, and right now, every call is being answered within 14 seconds.

Mental health professionals say the 988 hotline is an “invaluable resource” and any cuts would affect the strides being made in the state to meet growing demand.

#James Donaldson notes:
Welcome to the “next chapter” of my life… being a voice and an advocate for #mentalhealthawarenessandsuicideprevention, especially pertaining to our younger generation of students and student-athletes.
Getting men to speak up and reach out for help and assistance is one of my passions. Us men need to not suffer in silence or drown our sorrows in alcohol, hang out at bars and strip joints, or get involved with drug use.
Having gone through a recent bout of #depression and #suicidalthoughts myself, I realize now, that I can make a huge difference in the lives of so many by sharing my story, and by sharing various resources I come across as I work in this space.  #http://bit.ly/JamesMentalHealthArticle
Find out more about the work I do on my 501c3 non-profit foundation
website www.yourgiftoflife.org Order your copy of James Donaldson’s latest book,
#CelebratingYourGiftofLife: From The Verge of Suicide to a Life of Purpose and Joy

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The Trevor Project claims a leaked budget draft shows the federal government is looking to eliminate all funding for the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline’s LGBTQ+ youth specialized services starting in October.

Shaun Thomas is a licensed mental health counselor and the Opioid Treatment Program Director at Southlight Healthcare.

“Losing access to that resource would be a real detriment to a lot of people,” said Thomas.

Southlight offers an array of services for hundreds of people each day.

It just finished an 18-month renovation project to meet the growing demands for more mental health and opioid treatment help.

Thomas said that even with the changes, it’s still hard to help everyone in need, and all 988 hotline services are necessary.

The more avenues to entry that a person has in some kind of emotional crisis or behavioral health crisis situation, the better,” he said. “However someone gets access to help in their moment of need doesn’t matter … as long as they have that access.”

NCDHHS said that though it cannot speculate on potential cuts, “Federal funding is critical to the lifeline’s success in ensuring calls are answered timely and people are getting connected to valuable resources.”

RESOURCES
If you or someone you know is experiencing suicidal, substance use or other mental health crises, please call or text 988. You will reach a trained crisis counselor for free, 24 hours a day, seven days a week. You can also go to 988lifeline.org.

The Trevor Project is a leading national organization providing crisis intervention and suicide prevention services to lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer & questioning (LGBTQ) young people under 25. If you are a young person in crisis, feeling suicidal, or in need of a safe and judgment-free place to talk, call the Trevor Lifeline now at (866) 488-7386

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James Donaldson is a Washington State University graduate (’79). After an outstanding basketball career with WSU, he went on to play professional basketball in the NBA with the Seattle Supersonics, San Diego/L.A. Clippers, Dallas Mavericks, New York Knicks, and Utah Jazz. He also played for several teams in the European Leagues in Spain, Italy, and Greece, and he toured with The Harlem Globetrotters to wrap up his career. James was an NBA All-Star in 1988 while playing center for the Dallas Mavericks. In 2006, James was inducted into the Pac-10 Sports Hall of Fame and also the Washington State University Athletic Hall of Fame. In 2010, James was elected as a board member for the NBA Retired Players Association.

James frequently conducts speaking engagements (motivational, inspirational, educational) for organizations, schools, and youth groups.

In 2010, James was the recipient of the NBA Legends of Basketball ABC Award, awarded for outstanding contributions in Athletics–Business–Community.

He believes in being a role model for success and professionalism to the scores of young people to whom he devotes so much of his time. He currently serves on several boards and committees and is a member of many organizations.

James believes in developing relationships that create a “Win-Win” environment for everyone involved, and in being the best he can be!

For more information about James Donaldson or to request he speak at your event, contact him at:

www.StandingAboveTheCrowd.com
JamesD@StandingAboveTheCrowd.com
1-800-745-3161 (voicemail & fax)

James Donaldson is the author of “Standing Above The Crowd” and “Celebrating Your Gift of Life” and founder of the Your Gift of Life Foundation which focuses on mental health awareness and suicide prevention, especially pertaining to our school aged children and men.

If you’re interested in having James come and speak to your group of young adults, business entrepreneurs, aspiring political and community leaders, and athletic teams, please contact him at jamesd@yourgiftoflife.org and or leave a personal message for him at 1-800-745-3161. Keep up with him and read about how he is reaching out and making a difference in the lives of so many around the world at www.yourgiftoflife.org