May is Mental Health Awareness Month and the Louisiana Department of Health is promoting the use of 988, a 24/7 suicide and crisis call line. Karen Stubbs, Assistant Secretary in the Office of Behavioral Health, said 988 launched in July and they want more people to know help is available and it’s only three digits away.
“We are kicking off public service announcements on 75 radio stations throughout Louisiana for 17 weeks leading up to the one-year anniversary,” said Stubbs.
Stubbs said they’ve also launched a dashboard to provide transparency of 988 to include call volume, demographics, and what people are using the line for and it will be updated monthly.
“We’ve had a lot of experience sent we went live in July and there are some improvements with the dashboard and different things. So, we’re just excited to start the conversation again,” said Stubbs.
In addition to receiving council by calling 988, Stubbs said you can also receive assistance via text and chat. You can find the dashboard and more information at ldh.la.gov/crisis.
“It gives a little information on our website about some additional services, such as a lifeline specific for service members and their families,” said Stubbs.
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