By Lisa Autry
Calls from all 120 counties are routed initially to an in-state center. If they're not answered within 90 seconds, the calls roll over to an out-of-state backup center.
Since May 2023, the state has seen a 40% increase in calls from Kentuckians to 988 and a 53% increase in the number of those calls that are answered in-state.
"The centers work continuously to recruit, train, and retain compassionate local individuals dedicated to helping fellow Kentuckians in crisis," said Brice Mitchell, a spokesman for the state Cabinet for Health and Family Services. "Using federal grant funding, the centers have increased the workforce capacity through hiring staff and utilizing volunteers."
In May, 84% percent of calls in May were answered at the local level, according to to CHFS. The current in-state answer time of 23 seconds remains faster than the national average of 36 seconds.
WKU Public Radio
More than 16,000 Kentucky veterans struggling with their mental health have used the national 988 hotline since it launched two years ago.
More than 16,000 Kentucky veterans struggling with their mental health have used the national 988 hotline since it launched two years ago.
The suicide and crisis lifeline doesn’t require callers to disclose personal information, but veterans' overall use can be tracked because callers can be directed to the Veterans Crisis Line. In Kentucky, more than 3,700 calls have been routed to the veterans line so far this year, according to the state Cabinet for Health and Family Services.
In a recent speech to the Veterans of Foreign Wars state convention in Bowling Green, Gov. Andy Beshear urged veterans to seek help.
“We see an epidemic of suicide among our veterans and even our active service members that is unacceptable," Beshear said. "It’s important we have all of the services to make that individual whole at the ready.”
Since the 988 line was launched in July 2022, more than 80,000 calls have been received from residents of Kentucky.
The line connects those in distress to trained counselors 24 hours a day, via calls, chats or text messages. Thirteen of Kentucky's 14 regional mental health centers serve as call centers, and the 14th is in the process of becoming nationally certified. That means 988 calls in all 120 counties can be served by a local center instead of the call being answered out of state.
In a recent speech to the Veterans of Foreign Wars state convention in Bowling Green, Gov. Andy Beshear urged veterans to seek help.
“We see an epidemic of suicide among our veterans and even our active service members that is unacceptable," Beshear said. "It’s important we have all of the services to make that individual whole at the ready.”
Since the 988 line was launched in July 2022, more than 80,000 calls have been received from residents of Kentucky.
The line connects those in distress to trained counselors 24 hours a day, via calls, chats or text messages. Thirteen of Kentucky's 14 regional mental health centers serve as call centers, and the 14th is in the process of becoming nationally certified. That means 988 calls in all 120 counties can be served by a local center instead of the call being answered out of state.
Calls from all 120 counties are routed initially to an in-state center. If they're not answered within 90 seconds, the calls roll over to an out-of-state backup center.
Since May 2023, the state has seen a 40% increase in calls from Kentuckians to 988 and a 53% increase in the number of those calls that are answered in-state.
"The centers work continuously to recruit, train, and retain compassionate local individuals dedicated to helping fellow Kentuckians in crisis," said Brice Mitchell, a spokesman for the state Cabinet for Health and Family Services. "Using federal grant funding, the centers have increased the workforce capacity through hiring staff and utilizing volunteers."
In May, 84% percent of calls in May were answered at the local level, according to to CHFS. The current in-state answer time of 23 seconds remains faster than the national average of 36 seconds.
No comments:
Post a Comment