988: 911 for mental health effective July 16

Those in the midst of a suicide, mental health or addiction-related crisis can contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline by calling or texting 988, beginning July 16.

Though the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline has existed since 2005, the new three digit number will allow people to access immediate assistance much quicker.

The truncated lifeline number will also allow those suffering in other ways to seek help, said Stacey Frohnapfel-Hasson, bureau chief of Ohio Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services' Office of Prevention Services,

"It has been marketed since 2005 primarily for suicide, but with this 988 expansion, we're looking at a behavioral health focus. So, we're talking about suicide, mental health and addiction crises overall," she said.  

However, people should call 1-800-273-8255 until July 16. After that date, people may call either 988 or the 10-digit number. Both numbers will direct the caller to the same lifeline.

The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is a national network of more than 200 crisis centers, according to the Ohio Department of Health. Ohio has 19 lifeline providers who are actively answering calls.

Frohnapfel-Hasson said each of Ohio's 19 call centers take between 30 to 3,000 calls each month.

We Care Regional Crisis Center covers 14 counties, including Mercer and Auglaize counties, said Margaret Lawrence, a chief officer at Coleman Health Services.

The center's goal is to have 10 crisis line specialists on staff, with three per shift and additional weekend coverage. It currently has eight crisis line specialists with another coming on board soon. Personnel must undergo 120 total hours of training.

Because the center is covering more counties, Lawrence said she anticipates an influx of calls.

Even though 988 is not yet operational, Lawrence said the center received six calls from the 988 extension from Mercer County in June and 10 in Auglaize County.

Tonia Byron, chairman of Area Suicide Support Resources of Mercer County, fully supports the switch to 988 as it may further help those contemplating suicide.

"It doesn't matter if it's one in 50 or if it's one and 10,000," she said. "For someone to feel that way, that's horrible. I would say statistically speaking, yes, we do have a problem in Mercer County. We have less follow-throughs than we do attempts. We have just so many attempts in our area and so many that aren't reported."

Byron said a 'tough it out' mentality pervades the area.

"I think that's not necessarily what you have to do sometimes," she said. "Sometimes, you need to reach out and ask for help. Our community doesn't ask for help very well and doesn't seek out mental health services very well because it's a 'take care of your own' kind of place, which is awesome. It really is an awesome thing, but when it comes to mental health, we're not all equipped to take care of mental health crises in our families. It's OK to ask for help. It's OK to need help every once in a while to get through a situation."

She is especially excited about the texting feature. For people who don't want a voice-to-voice connection, texting is a less personal option and a way to maintain a sense of anonymity when reaching out for help.

Amber Smith, owner of Sanctuary of Hope, a St. Marys-based provider of counseling and mental healthcare for women, said she hopes the texting option will reduce social anxieties surrounding crisis intervention.

For those wanting to call or text, but are nervous, Smith said "all you receive when you call is unconditional regard and empathetic responses. Their goal is to listen and provide you whatever support that may be in your particular situation."

Monte Diegel, 911 administrator with the Mercer County Sheriff's Office, said in the law enforcement business, several mental health-related calls are fielded.

"I think we can always improve on the services that we provide for our citizens," he said.

Diegel said the procedure for responding to mental health calls depends on the situation. If it's a suicide-related call, he sends law enforcement and the caller may be subject to a mental health evaluation.

Frohnapfel-Hasson explained how lifeline works.

When a person makes a mental health-related call, a trained specialist will ask questions to determine the caller's concerns, she said.

Frohnapfel-Hasson said in about 20% of calls, a mobile response will be dispatched. In urban parts of the state, the mobile response may involve a licensed clinician and a person who has lived experience. In rural parts of the state, a counselor may go out with a sheriff's deputy.

The other 80% of calls will be resolved with the phone call, which could include a brief counseling session or connecting the caller with an outpatient screening and appointment.

Although the public may view 988 as 911 for mental health, Frohnapfel-Hasson stressed the two numbers serve different functions.

Active suicide threats, threatening harm to self or others, self-injury that needs medical attention, severe intoxication, inability to care for oneself and apparent drug overdose all qualify as 911 calls, according to ODH.

Talking about or planning suicide, talking about harm to self or others, self-injury that doesn't need immediate medical attention, overuse of alcohol or other drugs and extreme depression, anxiety or other mental illness symptoms all qualify as 988 calls, per ODH.

In 2020, suicide was the 11th leading cause of death in Ohio, ODH states. There were 1,642 suicides in 2020, 1,758 in 2021 and 685 so far in 2022.