In rural Iowa, getting help quickly in an emergency can be difficult — with most small communities relying on volunteer fire and ambulance services and the Sheriff’s office to handle anything else, resources can get stretched thin in a hurry.
Compounding this issue is a state-wide decline in those willing to volunteer their time and energy to serve in an emergency response capacity.
In order to combat and alleviate some of these issues, the Iowa Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) launched a new emergency number for anyone experiencing a mental health emergency.
By dialing 988, Iowans will be connected with trained crisis professionals who can help to de-escalate situations and connect them with any additional services or support.
According to the HHS website, the launch of the new hotline will help to reduce the burden on law enforcement and emergency medical resources.
“The national launch of 988 coincides with the significant work we’ve been doing here in Iowa since I took office to enhance and improve our historically fragmented crisis response system. Iowa families — all families — should have quick and easy access to necessary mental and behavioral health care resources when they need them, and 988 will serve as a centralized resource for Iowans to utilize during their times of need,” said Governor Kim Reynolds.
Calls to 988 will be answered by professionals located at Iowa’s two National Suicide Prevention Line (NSPL) centers.
HHS also offers “Your Life Iowa,” which provides free support to those dealing with mental health crises. In 2022, it’s estimated Your Life Iowa responded to 41,111 contacts, via photo, text and chat.
More information and answers to frequently asked questions about the new service can be found at https://www.samhsa.gov/find-help/988/faqs
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