Grant Monies Will Be Used to Prepare Vermont for National Suicide Prevention Lifeline’s 988 Dialing Code, Effective July 2022
Vermont Business Magazine Northwestern Counseling & Support Services, Inc (NCSS) is pleased to announce it has received the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline’s 988 State Planning Grant through Vibrant Emotional Health, the nonprofit administrator of the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (Lifeline).
Through the grant, NCSS will participate in the development of strategic plans for Vermont in preparation for the projected infrastructure needs, volume growth, and access to Lifeline’s new 988 number. Vibrant has awarded grants to 49 states and territories.
In July 2022, 988 will become the national three-digit dialing code for the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, replacing the current phone number of 1-800-273-TALK (8255). Americans needing support should continue to call 1-800-273-TALK (8255) until then.
“Access to mental health and crisis support has never been more critical for Americans,” said Kimberly Williams, President and CEO of Vibrant Emotional Health. “Vibrant is committed to providing the states and territories with some of the resources they'll need to plan for the implementation of 988 and to support their local crisis centers. By working together, we will
increase access to care, reduce the stigma around mental health and, ultimately, save lives.”
NCSS will be working with others in developing clear roadmaps to address coordination, capacity, funding, and communications surrounding the launch of 988.
NCSS will collaborate with state leadership, suicide prevention experts, people with lived experience, and others to create a 988 implementation plan and support the Lifeline’s operational, clinical, and performance standards that allow access to care.
“The Crisis Team at NCSS currently picks up National Suicide Lifeline calls for the state of
Vermont several hours each day and weekends. A quick and simple 988 number will help
callers access help quicker and also normalize the experience of seeking mental health support
as they would for a medical emergency when they dial 911.” stated Dr. Steve Broer, Director of
Behavioral Health Services, NCSS.
Vibrant believes the new 988 number, once implemented, will ensure the Lifeline will continue to be America’s mental health safety net by providing emotional support for people in distress, reducing suicides and mental health crises, and providing a pathway to well-being for all.
About Northwestern Counseling & Support Services, Inc. (NCSS)
Since 1958, NCSS, a private, non-profit, human services agency has been serving Franklin and Grand Isle Counties. NCSS provides intervention and support to children, adolescents, and adults with emotional and behavioral problems; a mental health diagnosis; adolescent substance use; and an intellectual disability or developmental delay. Over 500 staff members help over 4,000 people each year in 18 locations in collaboration with community partners. NCSS’ 24/7/365 crisis team and mobile outreach is available to meet the needs of Franklin and Grand Isle County children, adults, and families in crisis by calling 802-524-6554 then press 1.
www.ncssinc.org NCSS… we’re here for you.
About the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline
Funded by the U.S. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) and administered by Vibrant Emotional Health, the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is a leader in suicide prevention and mental health crisis care. The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline provides free and confidential emotional support and crisis counseling to people in suicidal crisis or emotional distress 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, across the United States. The Lifeline is comprised of a national network of over 180 local crisis centers, uniting local resources with national best practices. Since its inception in 2005, the Lifeline has engaged in innovative public messaging, development of best practices in mental health, creative partnerships, and more to improve crisis services and advance suicide prevention for all. suicidepreventionlifeline.org
About Vibrant Emotional Health
Vibrant Emotional Health is a non-profit organization that helps individuals and families achieve emotional wellbeing. For over 50 years, our groundbreaking solutions have delivered high-quality services and support, when, where and how people need it. We offer confidential emotional support through our state-of-the-art contact center and crisis hotline services that use leading edge telephone, text and web-based technologies and include the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, NFL Life Line and NYC Well. Through our community wellness programs individuals and families obtain supports and skills they need to thrive. Our advocacy and education initiatives promote mental wellbeing as a social responsibility. Each year we help more than 2.5 million people live healthier and more vibrant lives. We’re advancing access, dignity and respect for all and revolutionizing the system for good. Visit vibrant.org. And follow Vibrant on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.
Source: St. Albans, VT (February 11, 2021) – Northwestern Counseling & Support Services, Inc