In this episode, Phil Clark, the Executive Director at Just Say Something, interviews Jennifer Piver,
the director at Mental Health America, Greenville County. Jennifer has been involved in
providing community services, including the 988 hotline, since 1990 and is dedicated to
promoting mental health and suicide prevention.
Phillip and Jennifer discuss the importance of mental health and the 988 hotline, which
supports individuals in crisis. Jennifer explains that 988 is a three-digit phone
number rolled out nationally in 2020 but has been in service since 2005. She tells
Phillip, "988 really is a new number for hope so that you can have time to think through
what's going on and find other different resources." The hotline aims to normalize mental
health and substance crises and provide a place for people to call when they need help.
Jennifer also walks through what to expect when calling 988 and emphasizes
that the hotline is not just for individuals in crisis but also for those who are concerned
about a loved one. She states, "We're confidential, we're free, and we can connect with
you. We're here 24/7, so we want to get that word out as much as we can." Finally, she
highlights the importance of early intervention and prevention in addressing mental
health issues.
The episode concludes with a discussion on how to promote the 988 hotline and
increase accessibility to mental health care in the community.
Key Takeaways:
-The 988 hotline is a three-digit phone number that provides support for
individuals in crisis and aims to normalize mental health and substance crises.
-Calling 988 is not just for individuals in crisis but also for those who are
concerned about a loved one.
-The 24/7 hotline provides a listening ear without judgment, screens for suicidal
thoughts and connects callers to community resources and services.
-The goal of 988 is to prevent crises and provide early intervention for mental
health issues.
For more information, please visit our website at www.justsaysomethingsc.org or call (864)467-4099.
#justsaysomethingpodcast #phillipclark #jenniferpiver #988hotline #crisisprevention
#mentalhealth #substanceabuse #communitycare #suicideprevention #confidential
