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Disability advocates have an opportunity to influence how the promise of 988, the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, affects the disability community. Join The Arc of the United States for a webinar on Monday, January 31 at 10:00 a.m. to learn the latest on 988 implementation, including concerns, and create a path forward for your constituents.
In July 2020, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) designated 988 as the new three-digit number for the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline. The number will have trained staff to answer calls from individuals at risk for suicide as well as those experiencing other mental health and substance use related emergencies. All telecommunications companies will have to make the necessary changes so individuals can access the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline using the 988 dialing code.
For many people with disabilities, particularly people of color and people in the LGBTQ+ community, a law enforcement response to a mental health emergency has ended in tragedy or poor outcomes, including death and incarceration. 988 holds the promise of an equitable healthcare response to a healthcare issue with better outcomes as people receive the services and supports they need to remain in their communities. This promise will only be fulfilled if adequate resources are available to accommodate increased call/chat/text volume, as well as the continuum of crisis care services that can stem from the 988 call.
This webinar will be captioned. The recording will be available to view on demand for those who register. For questions, email ponder@thearc.org.
REGISTER NOW: https://thearc-org.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_qqXbp42PShyE4nUWImSR5A