988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline
Dr. Sally Brooks | August 3, 2022
Lifeline 988 Launches Nationally to Aid Suicide Prevention
by Dr. Sally Brooks (Chief Medical Officer at MIND 24-7)
July 16th, 2022 marked the launch of 988, the new number for the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline (formerly known as the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline). Much like how we already use 911 for emergencies, 988 will be used for mental health crises.
The new 988 dialing code will help people get assistance earlier in a crisis before it escalates. With proper education and awareness, everyone in the country will have an immediate, accessible mental health resource and those in crisis won’t need to call 911 for mental health emergencies.
Suicide is the 2nd leading cause of death among people aged 10-34 in the U.S.
While most calls are resolved over the phone, in the event the crisis cannot be resolved remotely, they can send a mobile crisis team to help in person. 988 will only contact the police in specific situations such as if the person is a danger to themselves or others.
This system will allow first responders to focus on other emergencies and elevate the work of mental health professionals by facilitating earlier crisis intervention.
Only 46.2% of U.S. adults with mental illness received treatment in 2020
The providers at MIND 24-7 believe safe, affordable, quality behavioral healthcare should be as openly accessible as possible. This transition to the 988 3-digit dial code for the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline shares MIND 24-7’s mission of making mental health care available to everyone right when they need it.
Open 24 hours a day, MIND 24-7 offers on-the-spot treatment for mental and behavioral health concerns, including anxiety and depression. If you or a loved one is struggling, text or call 844-646-3247, or stop into one of our three Phoenix-area locations, no appointment is necessary.
About the Author
DR. SALLY BROOKS
Chief Medical Officer at MIND 24-7
LinkedIn Profile
Dr. Sally Brooks is the Chief Medical Officer of MIND 24-7. Prior, she served as the SVP, Chief Medical Officer for Kindred Healthcare Rehabilitation Services, and was responsible for recruiting and supporting Physicians, Clinical Operations, Business Development, and improving relationships with Managed and Accountable Care Organizations.
Dr. Brooks has 30 years of experience in healthcare. She served in senior leadership teams at UnitedHealth Group as VP of Physician Services and Blue Cross Blue Shield of Anthem where she integrated and oversaw Medical Management Initiatives as the National Medical Director. Earlier, Dr. Brooks was Director of The Christ Hospital’s Geriatric Medicine Section where she started her Internal and Geriatric Medicine practice.
She is a passionate fundraiser for the Alzheimer’s Association and was a founding member of the “Speaking of Women’s Health” conference series. Dr. Brooks earned her Pharmacy degree from Ohio Northern University, her Medical Degree from Marshall University, completed her Internal Medicine Residency at the Christ Hospital in Cincinnati, Ohio, and her Geriatric Fellowship at the University of Cincinnati.
Dr. Brooks resides in Cincinnati where she and her husband raised three daughters. Her interests include skiing, hiking, cooking, and Buckeye football.
About the Lifeline
The 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline is a national network of local crisis centers that provides free and confidential emotional support to people in suicidal crisis or emotional distress 24 hours a day, 7 days a week in the United States. We’re committed to improving crisis services and advancing suicide prevention by empowering individuals, advancing professional best practices, and building awareness. Click HERE to learn more.