The Department of Health (DOH) announced the launch of a new three-digit dialing code for the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (NSPL) on Friday, July 15. Now, anyone experiencing suicidal or mental health-related distress can access care by dialing 9-8-8 or the former NSPL number, 1-800-273-TALK (8255), which will remain active. NSPL also enabled text access in another effort to reduce barriers for individuals seeking support. These 24/7 services are free and confidential and are available to individuals experiencing a suicidal or mental health-related crisis or for those worried about a loved one in crisis. Consult this DOH news release to learn more about the recent NSPL changes.
DOH is hosting a tour and media briefing related to the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline on Thursday, July 28 at 11:00am Pacific Time. The briefing will take place at Volunteers of America Western Washington’s new Behavioral Health Crisis Call Center (address below).
The following individuals will be present for the media briefing:
- Washington State Governor Jay Inslee
- Umair A. Shah, MD, MPH, Secretary of Health, Washington State Department of Health
- Washington State Senator Manka Dhingra, District 45
- Washington State Representative Tina Orwall, MSW, District 33
- Ingrid Ulrey, Region 10 Director, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
- Steve Corsi, PsyD, President and Chief Executive Officer, Volunteers of America Western Washington
- Levi Van Dyke, Senior Director Behavioral Health Services, Volunteers of America Western Washington
DOH requests that attendees please register by emailing dohpio@doh.wa.gov with their name, email, phone, and news organization. This helps ensure the privacy and safety of crisis line staff and information.
Likewise, DOH requests that those with cameras please arrive and set up at 8:45 a.m. for the tour portion. The briefing will follow at 9:50 a.m. To ensure the safety of attendees, the briefing will be held in an outdoor space. Per the site’s special events policy, please mask up indoors, practice social distancing, and stay hydrated. We expect unusually warm weather.
Volunteers of America Western Washington Behavioral Health Crisis Call Center Address:
1800 41st Street | Suite 310 | Everett, WA 98203