A new nationwide hotline on suicide and mental health crisis is scheduled to launch next week, and Maine officials say the state is on track to implement the system here.
Federal officials have set a July 16 deadline for each state to implement the new 988 service so that it connects callers with local respondents. Some other states have indicated that they may not meet that deadline. But Maine officials said they expect their system to be ready in time, largely because they are cooperating with an already existing phone line.
The new system is supposed to work like the 911 emergency call, but is intended specifically for those experiencing a mental health crisis. No matter where a person is in the country, the same three-digit number will link a caller with a specialist who can provide support and also put the caller in touch with local resources to help.
Callers will be assessed by the specialist and, if the situation requires immediate attention, the caller will be directed to one of the state’s regional mobile emergency teams or to 911 if emergency services are required, said Jackie Farwell, a spokeswoman for the Maine Department of Health. and Human Services.
The effort to create the 988 system began after a 30 percent increase in the nation’s suicide rate between 2000 and 2019, although the rate declined slightly thereafter. Maine’s suicide rate is consistently higher than the national average. In 2020, there were 16.4 suicides in Maine per 100,000 population, while the national rate was 13.5, according to the most recent federal data.
The Federal Communications Commission two years ago ordered all states to set up 988 lines by this month. But many states have responded slowly. In early June, the FCC said, only 20 states had passed bills to establish 988 calling systems and only a handful had set up ways to pay for the service.
In Maine, the 988 system will be with the Maine Crisis Line, a service of The Opportunity Alliance that offers support to those facing a behavioral crisis. The Maine Emergency Line, which has been in operation for four years, will continue to answer calls to its line (1-888-568-1112) and will also handle calls to 988. The emergency line currently handles about 300 calls a day, officials said.
DHHS is spending $ 450,000 to implement the 988 number and will spend $ 13 million for emergency support services in the current two-year budget cycle. This includes $ 2.4 million for telephone lines, including the Maine Emergency Line.
Behavioral health organizations have said they want to see the new 988 system put into operation.
“It will be a great tool, although it will probably take some time to implement to full capacity,” said Jennifer Christian, project manager of the Alliance for Addiction and Mental Health Services, Maine.
Christian said a key asset will have one number to call, regardless of location, just as people know how to call 911 if they are away from home and have an emergency.
“I hope it’s a way to help people right away, by more specific means,” she said.
Farwell said Maine has been working on its implementation plan for 988 since April 2021 and continues to work with other organizations that will be part of the new system, including emergency medical teams, police, the mobile emergency teams and others.
“The adoption of 988 will ultimately provide a new, easily accessible‘ gateway ’for Maine’s statewide emergency services,” she said, but “it will take time to establish new processes, build staff capacity and develop the components of the emergency system needed to the 988 emergency system should be fully implemented. In the longer term, the vision is to continue to strengthen a robust emergency response system, throughout Maine and throughout the country. “
Farwell said the 988 system is part of a $ 230 million in state and federal funding that DHHS is spending over the current two-year budget cycle to build the care workforce and improve access to behavioral health care in Maine.
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What happens when you text 741741?
After you text BRAVE to the Crisis Text Line at 741741, a trained emergency counselor will receive it and respond within minutes. Then, the emergency counselor will help you lessen your situation and tie you up to help locally.
Are emergency text lines effective? Crisis Text Line ends each conversation with an automatic message asking users if they found the conversation helpful. To see also : Education can help close the healthcare gap for LGBTQ people. In total, 86 percent answered yes; that’s more than 76 percent four years ago, reflecting improvements in the organization’s training and oversight.
What happens if you text 741741?
So, what happens when you call / sext an emergency line? After you text BRAVE to the Crisis Text Line at 741741, a trained emergency counselor will receive it and respond within minutes. Then, the emergency counselor will help you lessen your situation and tie you up to help locally.
Is crisis text a robot?
You’re not texting with a robot, it’s a real human being. On the same subject : The raw policy determines the health care of Californians. All Emergency Counselors are volunteers who have gone through an extensive interview and training process, and they are ready and able to help take you from a “hot moment” to a “cold moment”.
Who can diagnose mental illness?
A psychiatrist, a medical doctor who diagnoses and treats mental illness. To see also : Women’s Health Bulletin – June 2022 | VA Milwaukee Health Care. Psychotherapist, as a psychologist or licensed counselor.
Who is a doctor who can diagnose and treat mental disorders? A psychiatrist is a medical doctor (M.D. or D.O.) who specializes in mental health, including substantial disorders. Psychiatrists are qualified to assess both the mental and physical aspects of psychological problems.
Can a normal doctor diagnose mental illness?
A general practitioner is technically qualified to diagnose mental disorders. However, as a practitioner of general medicine, they are likely to have less experience and understanding of the many specific mental illnesses than psychiatrists and psychologists.
How much money can you have in the bank and still get MaineCare?
For children (18 and under) and pregnant women, MaineCare will not count assets. For parents of children (18 and under) and for 19 and 20 year olds, there is a $ 2,000 value limit. For other adult couples with no small children at home, there is a $ 3,000 value limit.
What are the qualifications to get MaineCare? Specifically, MaineCare can help an eligible Maine resident with their health care payments …. You must also be one of the following:
- pregnant, or.
- Be responsible for a child 18 years of age or younger, or.
- Blind, or.
- Have a disability or family member in your household with a disability, or.
- Be 65 years of age or older.
Does Social Security count as income for MaineCare?
Income: Includes domestic money from sources such as Social Security, pensions, wages, alimony, self-employment, etc.
Can MaineCare take my house?
The Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) can pursue recovery against not only the estate estate but against any legal interest that the MaineCare recipient held upon death. Currently, the only exception is a common rental interest in real estate.
How much money can you make and still get MaineCare?
| Your household size | Children | Young Adults (19-20) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $ 2,413 | $ 1,824 |
| 2 | $ 3,251 | $ 2,457 |
| 3 | $ 4,088 | $ 3,090 |
| 4 | $ 4,926 | $ 3,724 |
