988

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Stephen 'tWitch' Boss Did Instagram Dance Days Before Suicide

Medical examiner's office finds no foul play in his death, closes case

(Newser) - On Sunday, just one day before checking in to the motel where he would take his own life , Stephen "tWitch" Boss was dancing in his California home. In the last Instagram post from his wife, Allison Holker, before Boss was found dead Tuesday, the apparently happy couple can be...

After a Simple Switch, Suicide Hotline Sees a Huge Increase

Last month, contacts with the hotline were up 45% compared to year prior

(Newser) - Update: Since July 16 when 988 became the new suicide prevention hotline number in the US, the amount of people reaching out to it has increased and wait times have decreased, according to a statement from the Department of Health and Human Services released last week. In August of this...

Mental Health Equivalent of 911 Goes Live in July

988 will connnect people to crisis counselors

(Newser) - From July 16, Americans experiencing mental health crises will only have to remember a three-digit number to get help: 988. Bipartisan legislation signed by then-President Donald Trump in 2020 established the equivalent of 911 for mental health emergencies. People who call, text, or contact the number online will be connected...

Will America Be Ready to Answer All the 988 Calls?

With 988, advocates see opportunity to change mental health care, but old problems persist

(Newser) - The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is undergoing a major overhaul. Starting in July, Americans in need of crisis counseling won't have to dial 1-800-273-8255—they'll instead be able to use the much simpler 988. It's the result of legislation signed by Trump in 2020, and in December,...

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