Colorado crisis counselors prepare for launch of national mental health hotline

EDITOR’S NOTE: Some quotes have been modified for readability and understanding.

DENVER — In lower than two weeks, a nationwide hotline devoted to psychological well being will go dwell. Right here in Colorado, disaster counselors have been making ready for the launch for months.

“We have been actually busy over the past couple of months rising our workforce and increasing our infrastructure at our company,” mentioned Cheri Skelding, scientific director of Rocky Mountain Disaster Companions (RMCP). “That features hiring many new workforce members on our frontlines … that are people who’re answering our disaster line and our assist line in preparation for 988.”

Starting July 16, People in disaster will be capable of name 988 to get related to suicide prevention sources and psychological well being counselors.

“And three digit numbers aren’t one thing that simply exists. It is one thing that needs to be created, and your complete nation and all of our telecommunications corporations must be on board and it needs to be made,” Skelding mentioned. “So the truth that that is taking place, only for accessibility alone, is an enormous deal.”

Rocky Mountain Disaster Companions already offers 24/7 disaster assist by way of the Colorado Disaster Companies and the state’s present hotline for psychological well being — 1-844-493-8255.

In 2020, Congress handed bipartisan laws mandating the launch of 988 in every state by this summer season.

Skelding says they’ve bolstered their workforce to assist the brand new hotline.

“It is a fluid quantity, however we have we have added properly over about 60 folks to our workforce to date, and we’re not performed but,” she mentioned.

Come July 16, anybody with a Colorado space code who calls 988 shall be routed to a disaster counselor from RMCP. People shall be related with acceptable sources, and follow-up care may be organized.

“When you’re not calling from a cellphone that has a Colorado space code, you will not essentially come to our middle. You may be routed to the middle which corresponds along with your space code,” Skelding mentioned.

To learn extra concerning the launch of 988 in Colorado, click on right here.