The United States has introduced a new mental health hotline, 9-8-8, offering a direct line for individuals experiencing mental health crises. This hotline provides an alternative to 911 when dealing with mental health emergencies.
By calling or texting 9-8-8, people in crisis can access immediate assistance, a vital development in the nation’s mental health support system. Health correspondent Rhitu Chatterjee and Scientist in Residence Regina G. Barber recently discussed the implications of this new service. They explored how it functions within the broader framework of U.S. mental health services.
For those seeking additional support, here are some other resources:
- BlackLine: Targets the Black, Black LGBTQ+, brown, Native, and Muslim communities.
- Kiva Centers: Offers daily online peer support groups.
- M.H. First: Operates in Oakland and Sacramento during select weekend hours.
- Peer Support Space: Hosts virtual peer support groups twice daily from Monday to Saturday.
- Project LETS: Provides text support for urgent issues, including those involving involuntary hospitalization.
- Samaritans of New York: A hotline based in New York City.
- Trans Lifeline: A hotline for trans and questioning individuals.
- Wildflower Alliance: Offers a peer support line and online groups focusing on suicide prevention.
These resources contribute to a support network that can offer help beyond what 9-8-8 provides, catering to specific communities and needs.
Listeners can find more information and updates by following Short Wave on Twitter at @NPRShortWave, or by contacting them via email at [email protected]. This episode was produced by Thomas Lu, edited by Rebecca Ramirez, and fact-checked by Berly McCoy, with audio engineering by Josh Newell.