SAMHSA adds tools to promote 988 crisis line

The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) expanded its toolkit to assist health care providers and others to prepare for the July 16 launch of 988, the suicide and crisis lifeline. Anyone experiencing suicidal thoughts, a mental health or substance use crisis can speak text or chat with a trained crisis counselor. The toolkit includes key messages, fact sheets, downloadable wallet cards, posters and other resources. SAMHSA plans to add social media tools and make the print materials available for ordering from the SAMHSA store. Authorized by the National Suicide Hotline Designation Act of 2020, 988 will operate through the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline’s network of over 200 crisis centers. (AHA News article, 7/11/22)