In the first month that the three-digit 988 National Suicide Hotline was launched the crisis number received more than 1,400 calls in Louisiana. Dr. Robyn Thomas, Suicide Prevention Coordinator with the Louisiana Department of Health said the response rate for answering local calls increased significantly.
“We went from a 65% in-state answer rate to an 89% in-state answer rate, that means more people are reaching out for services and more people are being connected to services,” said Thomas.
She said the state was also recognized by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) for its response rate.
Thomas said when you call 988 from anywhere in the state you are routed to one of the state’s two certified crisis centers. One in Bossier City which answers calls in north, central, and southwest Louisiana, or the call center in New Orleans which covers southeast Louisiana.
“And they also service back-up to each other which is important because it creates another layer to keep those calls in-state,” said Thomas.
Next for the crisis hotline is to add even more counselors. Thomas said it’s important to keep those certified counselors local because they understand the state’s culture and unique stressful events for example hurricanes.
“Having counselors that are receptive and know that, can help with that response to our callers that call in. So, we definitely want to keep as many calls in the state as possible,” said Thomas.
Thomas said they are also adding training for counselors to address marginalized populations and also ramp up awareness and promotion of the 988-crisis line.
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