It is a Sunday and I would like to present to my readers a Public Service Announcement (PSA)……

We all are well aware of the need for the 9-11 system which is used in emergencies…..all calls for criminal activity, medical emergency and mental health issues that have become serious……as of today a new system will be in place from all over the country…the new 988 system…..

Starting Saturday, anyone across the US can simply call or text 988 at any time to reach what used to be called the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline. Trained mental health professionals will respond, NBC News reports. Now called 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, it will provide free and confidential support 24/7, and will connect callers to local crisis centers. A surge of millions more calls is expected due to the change, the Washington Post reports.

“Trained counselors will listen, understand how their problems are affecting them, provide support, and connect them to resources if necessary,” per the website. The Lifeline currently has a 10-digit 800-number, and this three-digit version will be easier to remember for people in distress. It also offers an alternative to calling 911 during a mental health crisis, since 911 callers are typically directed to law enforcement rather than mental health professionals.

“I look at 988 as a starting place where we can really reimagine mental health care,” says Hannah Wesolowski, chief advocacy officer for the National Alliance on Mental Illness. The 988 number already works in some areas, but will work nationwide by Saturday. In the meantime, anyone who needs to can still call the old Lifeline number, 800-273-8255, which will remain active even after the 988 number is implemented. You can also text HOME to 741741 or visit SpeakingOfSuicide.com/resources.

Write it down…put it in your phone….keep it close in case it is needed.

Peace Out my friends.

I Read, I Write, You Know

“lego ergo scribo”