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RENO, Nev. — Nevada’s 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline unveiled a statewide rebranding to “Nevada 988” on Thursday after research showed that less than 20 percent of Nevadans were aware of 988.
“This is the first step of many to spread awareness and educate Nevadans on how 988 can be used in their communities for safe, real-time behavioral health help,” crisis response section manager Rachel Isherwood said at a press conference held in downtown Reno. “We want Nevadans and their friends, families and caregivers to know who to call before they reach a crisis.”
Nevada 988 is the state’s resource for immediate emotional and mental health support, as well as substance use issues. Crisis counselors offer empathetic listening, support, and screenings for suicide risk 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, through call, text or online chat.
“My administration is dedicated to expanding mental health services in Nevada, including opening a second 988 call center in Southern Nevada and ensuring steady funding for the program,” Gov. Lombardo said in a written statement. “It’s essential that every Nevadan knows they can reach this vital resource whenever they need it.”
To help more Nevadans learn about 988, the Division of Public and Behavioral Health (DPBH) will be doing a statewide awareness push of this behavioral health resource this year by collaborating with its call center partners and NAMI Nevada. This includes the launch of a new user-friendly website intended to help people access support more quickly.
“It’s important we are successful in encouraging Nevadans to remember 988 before they need it,” said Robin Reedy, executive director of NAMI Nevada. “Awareness matters, but awareness alone is not enough. In a mental health crisis, the worst time to figure out where to turn is during the crisis itself.”
Nevada 988 is operated through a contract with Carelon Behavioral Health, which opened a new 988 Call Center in Southern Nevada last year. In collaboration with Crisis Support Services of Nevada, which operates a call center in Northern Nevada, Nevada’s two 988 call centers support each other during periods of high volume to increase the state’s capacity and ensure more calls are answered locally.
Residents are encouraged to save 988 on their phones, share it with family and friends, and remember that help is available year-round. When Nevadans do reach 988, they are connected with a real human providing professional, trained support.
To learn more about Nevada 988, visit http://www.nevada988.org. For media inquiries, contact Jesse Stone at j.stone@health.nv.gov or (775) 431-7000.