A little more than a year ago, 988 became the designated number for anyone in the country to call if they were experiencing a mental health crisis, but a recent survey shows many callers are not happy with service.
Mental health care experts are trying to figure out why.
Since 1977, the mental health care help line has been a resource for Dutchess County residents in need. They’re trained to provide the best care whenever they pick up the phone, knowing the person on the other line might be struggling in a serious way.
“From there, we’ll link them to services, a safety plan with individuals and in the end, link them to the appropriate level of care,” said Kristin Parise, Dutchess County clinical program director for acute services.
Parise said that because the folks answering the phones live in the same communities as those making them, it brings a local touch that makes for a successful experience.
Jean-Marie Niebuhr, deputy commissioner of the Dutchess County Department of Behavioral and Community Health, agrees.
But as awareness around the national 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline continues to grow, so does dissatisfaction with it, according to a recent web-based survey by the JAMA network, which found only one-third of users were very likely to use it in the future. It’s still unclear why.
Niebuhr does know why her call center maintains repeat callers.
“We always approach those calls as if we’re talking to our neighbors,” she said. “The people who are answering the phone are really in touch with our community resources. So they’re very aware of what’s available in our community, and they can connect them easily and quickly to any other resources that might be needed.”
A recent push by lawmakers, including NY-19 Rep. Marc Molinaro, would reroute calls from the national 988 line to local call centers.
Parise said that’s a good idea, one that could potentially save lives.
“I think that relationship is crucial and important, and why we are able to get the individuals to the level of care they need,” Parise said.
#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
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:
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
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