Human Services Dept. promotes new 988 crisis support line
SANTA FE – The New Mexico Human Services Department (HSD) announces that everyone in the state will have access to the new 988 crisis support line. The easy-to-remember three-digit dialing code, along with a statewide focus on more proactive and coordinated care known as the Crisis Now system, will reach significantly more New Mexicans in need of mental and behavioral health support.
“988 breaks down one more barrier for those seeking mental health or substance abuse help, opening the door for healthier lives for all New Mexicans,” said Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham. “This is another important step in this administration’s efforts to create a behavioral health crisis system that better responds to anyone in need.”
New Mexico residents will be able to call, text or chat 988, the 24/7 crisis support line to connect with a compassionate behavioral health professional.
“The Crisis Now system is going to enable us to help New Mexicans when they are at their most vulnerable point in their lives,” said David R. Scrase, M.D. cabinet secretary for the New Mexico Human Services Department. “Serving people in need through the 988 crisis support line and expanding mobile crisis teams around the state will save lives.”
NM Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham’s dedication to create accessible and high quality behavioral healthcare for all New Mexicans led to efforts in creating mobile crisis teams, and crisis receiving center models that are sustainable in frontier, rural and tribal communities across the state.
People who call 988 are given three options; 1) to connect with the veterans crisis line, 2) to connect with the Spanish subnetwork, 3) to remain on the line and be connected to a crisis center. People can also text the word “TALK” to 988, and will be connected to their local crisis call center that is equipped to respond to texts. Chat is also available through Lifeline's website: http://suicidepreventionlifeline.org/chat.
“The 988 Crisis Now system will revitalize access to behavioral health services through a coordinated system, triggered by a call, text or chat asking for help,” said Neal Bowen, PhD., Director of Behavioral Health Services Division. “We have listened to many communities across the state, including folks who have made use of the existing system to respond to crises, to build a better response to behavioral health crises, that is to get people the care they want and deserve.”
HSD’s Behavioral Health Division has worked diligently alongside various partners, such as the New Mexico Crisis and Access Line, to help build the behavioral health infrastructure needed to support New Mexicans.
“As the call center ‘hub’ supporting the State of New Mexico's expanded crisis response network, we are honored to continue to be here to hear New Mexicans when they need to talk,” said Wendy Linebrink-Allison, Program Manager for the New Mexico Crisis and Access Line. “The expansion to support people via chat or text beginning July 16, along with the upcoming behavioral health led mobile crisis response teams, will make an incredible difference for engaging people in the right support at the right time during their most vulnerable moments.”
For more information, please visit 988nm.org.
This article originally appeared on Deming Headlight: Human Services Dept. promotes new 988 crisis support line
