#Facebook posts correctly state that “#988 is a new system that recently went live to help people reach help in a #mentalhealthcrisis.”
In late October 2022, we received reader mail that asked about a #Facebook post that was being copied, pasted, and shared that claimed, “#988 is a new system that recently went live to help people reach help in a #mentalhealthcrisis.”
It’s true that #988 is a real U.S. phone number that people can either can either call or text if they’re dealing with #mentalhealthcrises and/or thoughts of #suicide. As of the time we published this story, it was also true that the number was relatively new.
The full copy-and-paste posts, which we call copypasta, read as follows:
#988 is a new system that recently went live to help people reach help in a #mentalhealthcrisis.
May I please get 2 friends or family members to copy and re-post?
I am trying to demonstrate that someone is always listening.
#SuicideAwareness call 988.
Just two. Any two.
Say Done.
We found no shortage of people copying and pasting this helpful information verbatim on #Facebook:
#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
Order your copy of James Donaldson’s latest book, #CelebratingYourGiftofLife: From The Verge of Suicide to a Life of Purpose and Joy
We previously reported in July 2020 that the #988 number was in the works. One year later, The Associated Press published that the new system was going live. It launched on July 16, 2021:
The #UnitedStates’ first nationwide three-digit #mentalhealthcrisishotline goes live on Saturday. It’s designed to be as easy to remember and use as 911, but instead of a dispatcher sending #police, #firefighters or #paramedics, #988 will connect callers with trained #mentalhealthcounselors.
The federal government has provided over $280 million to help states create systems that will do much more, including mobile #mentalhealthcrisis teams that can be sent to people’s homes and emergency #mentalhealth centers, similar to urgent care clinics that treat physical aches and pains.
“This is one of the most exciting things that has happened” in #mentalhealthcare, said Dr. Brian Hepburn, a #psychiatrist who heads the National Association of State #MentalHealth Program Directors.
Hepburn cautions that when #988 kicks off, it will not be like “the flick of a switch. It’s going to take a number of years in order for us to be able to reach everybody across the country.”
Over the years, we’ve often found that #Facebook copy pasta posts contained misleading information. However, in this case, the posts were completely accurate.
According to the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline website, in addition to the #988 number, “the previous 1-800-273-TALK (8255) number will continue to function indefinitely.”
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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:
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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