Nevada Implements Nationwide Suicide Hotline Change to Improve Mental Health Crisis Response
In a bid to enhance its mental health crisis response, Nevada has implemented a statewide change to the national suicide hotline. Over a year ago, the suicide hotline phone number across the country was replaced with the three-digit number 988. This change aimed to improve accessibility to mental health services and provide more individualized care beyond phone-based assistance.
Since July 2022, the hotline has received an overwhelming 6 million calls, texts, and chats, with more than 38,000 contacts originating from Nevada alone. However, the transition to the new system has received mixed reviews. While some individuals applaud the increased accessibility to mental health services, others argue that unnecessary involvement of the police has often led to further traumatization and coerced treatments for those in crisis.
Nevada’s mental health services have faced significant challenges, with the state ranking 50th in terms of mental health care as of 2022. This poor rating is largely attributed to limited access to behavioral and supportive services, resulting from a shortage of mental health care providers. Additionally, Nevada has the 39th highest suicide rate in the country, with over 19 deaths per 100,000 individuals. This rate surpasses the national average of approximately 14 deaths per 100,000 people.
Julia Ratti, the director of programs and projects at Northern Nevada Public Health, highlights that Nevada’s current mental health crisis response system predominantly relies on the same emergency management system as medical emergencies, crime, and fires. This often leads families in crisis to call 911, which in turn dispatches law enforcement, fire, or ambulance services. While these emergency services are essential, they do not constitute a comprehensive behavioral health system.
To address this issue, Nevada aims to shift the public’s reflex response from dialing 911 to calling 988. By doing so, individuals experiencing mental health crises can have their needs assessed through phone, text, or chat support. If necessary, a mental health professional can be dispatched rather than an ambulance or law enforcement officer. Not only does this approach cater to individuals’ specific needs, but it also proves to be more cost-effective as emergency services can be quite expensive.
When a person dials 988, they are connected to the Veterans Hotline or Spanish language services. Those who choose to remain on the line are directed to a local Lifeline crisis center near their area code. If the local crisis center cannot respond, the call is redirected to another center. Trained counselors are available to provide support, listen, and share relevant resources. In cases where the caller’s safety is at risk, the counselor can connect them directly to local emergency services such as 911.
Various local governments in Nevada are actively working on bolstering their crisis response systems. In Southern Nevada, Clark County Commissioner Justin Jones and Las Vegas City Councilman Brian Knudsen are collaborating to expand mental health crisis response capabilities. The goal is to create a comprehensive system that relieves police officers from shouldering mental health responsibilities, thereby allowing them to focus on acute medical emergencies and public safety issues.
Although the state’s 988 services are still being developed, the aim is to establish 13 to 17 teams comprising of social workers, case managers, and peer support personnel. Additionally, multiple crisis response centers will be set up to cater to the Las Vegas area. This infrastructure, once complete, is expected to alleviate the strain on inpatient care, emergency departments, and legal systems within Nevada.
While law enforcement may still be involved in responding to mental health crises, the ultimate goal is to provide appropriate care and treatment rather than resorting to incarceration. Clark County Sheriff Kevin McMahill has underscored the importance of prioritizing mental health in his department, emphasizing that imprisonment is not the solution to such problems.
As Nevada continues to progress towards a comprehensive crisis response system, individuals facing mental health crises can seek support beyond the 988 hotline. Various resources, including hotlines tailored to specific demographics such as veterans, survivors of sexual assault, and members of the LGBTQ+ community, are available. Additionally, the Southern Nevada chapter of the National Alliance on Mental Illness offers a guide explaining the process individuals can expect when placed on a 72-hour mental health hold following a crisis call.
By implementing these changes and further developing the crisis response system, Nevada aims to ensure prompt access to necessary resources and support for its residents in need. The coordination between state agencies, local governments, and healthcare organizations is crucial in building a comprehensive mental health crisis response network.
