Understanding the Impact of the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline Ohio
On July 16, 2022, the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline Ohio was established. Ohio leads the nation with the number of call centers. Ohio has 19 call centers and in two years, according to the Ohio Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services (OhioMHAS), the call centers in Ohio responded to roughly 14,000 contacts each month, and in the two years since the hotline has been established has received almost 340,000 texts, calls, and chats. Ohio 988 centers responded quickly at a rate of 25 seconds, which is better than the national average which is 36 seconds. Ohio leaders, such as Governor DeWine, wanted to make sure every Ohio resident has access to 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline Ohio, and they have expanded the capacity of the call centers so that all 88 counties in Ohio have access.
Overview of the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline Ohio
The 988 website which can be found by visiting 988lifeline.org explains what happens when someone calls the hotline and is connected to the crisis center. “A crisis center is a resource for individuals going through mental health crises. They provide mental health services and emotional support for their state or local communities. Most crisis centers are non-profit and many utilize trained volunteers as well as mental health professionals. Your local crisis center usually serves your entire community, often 24/7 and free of charge. These centers connect callers to providers in their community that can support their needs.
Crisis centers answer calls for the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline Ohio, as well as local helplines, and offer other resources such as text, chat, or mobile services. Crisis centers also provide training and educational resources on suicide prevention and mental wellness. They are also a resource for mental health professionals seeking advice on best practices. All of the services a crisis center offers strengthen their local community and the state as a whole.” To find your local crisis center you can visit 988lifeline.org to locate where it is in your community.
The 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline Ohio, was established to aid individuals who are experiencing emotional distress, such as thoughts of suicide, substance abuse, or financial troubles. Anyone experiencing a crisis can either call, or send a text to 988. Or, if one would prefer to chat with a counselor, there is a form that can be filled out on the 988 lifeline.org website to initiate a chat. A family member or friend can also reach out to the center for if they have concerns about an individual.
In Ohio only 2% of all calls rolled over to the national network. Most of all the calls are handled by well-trained individuals with a strong knowledge of local resources.
Services Provided by the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline Ohio
According to Lee Anne Cornyn, OhioMHAS director, “988 is confidential and functions as a crucial gateway to crisis support within our communities. Our hope is that reaching out to 988 in a behavioral health crisis becomes as natural to Ohioans as dialing 911 in other types of emergencies.”
17% of all people in the United States are aware of the service, but in Ohio that percentage of Ohioans familiar with the service is 36%, or roughly more than one third of Ohioans. Governor DeWine stated “I am proud of the impact 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline Ohio,has made in two short years, and we fully intend to continue building on that momentum moving forward”.
In May of this year, OhioMHAS launched a multimedia awareness campaign, in hopes of making even more Ohioans aware of the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline Ohio. Some of the ways they are creating more awareness is through billboards, signs and advertising. The Ohio988 Materials Generator is part of that campaign. It allows anyone in Ohio, including local governments, schools, religious groups, emergency response agencies, and neighborhood groups to create social media posts, videos, posters, and other material making people aware of the hotline. By going to ohio988.org one can find the materials generator.
How to Support and Volunteer for the 988 Lifeline Hotline
Crisis centers are manned by well trained volunteers. The training is an intensive online course. If you are interested in volunteering, contact your local center which again can also be found by visiting the website 988lifeline.org. Another way an individual can help is by making a financial donation to their local crisis center, or by organizing a fundraiser to help support the center. Posting on social media about the 988 Lifeline, and mentioning the positive work that they are doing is a great way to help educate others about this valuable resource.
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Attorney Robert “Chip” Mues has been focusing his legal practice throughout Southwest Ohio primarily in divorce and family law matters since 1978. Chip is passionate about family law and has proudly published the Ohio Family Law Blog since 2007. In addition, he is the managing partner of Holzfaster, Cecil, McKnight & Mues. To learn more about him or the law firm, visit the firm’s website at www.hcmmlaw.com. Appointments are available in person, over the phone or by Zoom. Call us at 937 293-2141.
