Description

This episode discusses suicide, which can be a sensitive topic for some listeners. If you or someone you know is struggling, call or text 988 anytime for free, confidential support.

September 8th is 988 Day, and September is Suicide Prevention Month — but the resources in this episode are here for you all year long. Host Doria Fleisher sits down with two local experts to break down what 988 actually is, how it works, and how it's different from (and connected to) 911.

Joining the conversation:

• Janay Tyler, Crisis Response Coordinator with the Charles County Department of Health's Local Behavioral Health Authority, and Southern Maryland Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) Coordinator
• Adrianna Fotso, Assistant Director of Behavioral Health Diversion with Community Crisis Services Incorporated (CCI)

In this episode, you'll learn:

• What 988 is and how it differs from calling 911
• How confidential and anonymous a call to 988 really is — and why it almost never involves law enforcement
• What "suicidal ideation" means, and why having thoughts of suicide doesn't always mean someone has a plan
• How to call 988 on behalf of a friend or family member you're worried about
• What Charles County is doing for Suicide Prevention Month, including free Mental Health First Aid and QPR trainings
• The many local crisis resources available, including the CIT program, the mobile crisis team, and the Urgent Psychiatric Care program

Resources mentioned in this episode:

• Call or text 988 anytime, 24/7, for suicide prevention and crisis support
• Free Mental Health First Aid and Youth Mental Health First Aid trainings through the Charles County Health Department
• Charles County Local Behavioral Health Authority — Charles County Department of Health https://charlescountyhealth.org/local-behavioral-health-authority/
• Community Crisis Services Incorporated (CCI) https://ccsimd.org/

Thanks for listening.

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