COLUMBIA, S.C. (WSPA) – July marks three years since the National Suicide and Crisis Lifeline switched to the easier to remember number: 988.
The 988-call line provides free, 24/7 support for people experiencing mental health, substance use, or suicidal crises.
When 988 launched, South Carolina had just one center to monitor calls. Today, there are two as response rates have hit an all-time high.
“It’s a kind of support aimed at assisting individuals in finding access to care, potentially offering them sustained assistance,” stated Jessica Barnes, who coordinates the Office of Mental Health Suicide Prevention Program for the South Carolina Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities.
Back in July 2022, South Carolina had just one 988 call center. During that month, the staff handled over 2,600 calls with a 75% response rate. Barnes mentioned that last month, the state successfully responded to 4,409 calls, achieving a response rate exceeding 90%.
“During times of crisis, there are trained professionals available who want to assist. These crisis responders are equipped to offer a listening ear and some guidance over the phone,” Barnes explained.
Barnes said it’s crucial that South Carolinians who call have South Carolinians answer.
“We know more of those details about the specific resources in South Carolina. We can really help guide somebody to taking another step to working on themselves for what they want,” she said.
“It’s important that you can get people to help right where they need it and I think that’s the key thing people, when the call centers know where help is available,” said Bill Lindsey from NAMI S.C.
Stephen Tuttle from Thriveworks said this is very important.
“Having more, trained professionals willing to be a part of the call service. Who are able and willing to help the people, reaching out in these situations,” Tuttle said.
But Barnes said there is still things they can do to increase the response rate in the coming years.
“You can chat or text 9-8-8, and we really like to work on expanding our outreach for those efforts as well and hiring workforce specific to those two modes of contact,” Barnes said.
Barnes added 988 is for anyone who needs help, whether you’re an adult or a child. When you call in you can be completely anonymous and confidential.
If you or a loved one need help go to this site for more information.
