988 Lifeline now available 24/7

WESTPORT | 988, the Suicide and Crisis Prevention Lifeline, is now available to Essex, Clinton, Franklin and Hamilton counties 24 hours a day, seven days a week. In 2023, Essex County had more documented suicides than 2021 and 2022 combined. This resource will allow anyone to call at any time for any crisis. Mental Health Association in Essex County began operating the hotline in July 2022 for fewer hours to get staff trained and prepared for the transition to 24/7. Essex County Director of Community Services Terri Morse said the hotline is used most frequently by the more underserved areas of the four counties, which she sees as a sign the service is needed. Rose Trombley, 988 Program coordinator said the lifeline has gone really well so far. Call counselors go through six weeks of training which includes role play and simulations of situations they may find themselves in with a caller. They learn how to actively listen by asking questions and being direct. There are currently 12 call counselors. When someone calls 988, the first order of business is making sure they are safe at that moment. "We assist with what their crisis is right now," Trombley said. "If the person is looking for and receptive to a resource that could further assist them for the longer term, then we definitely do try to give them something that is in their area." Mental Health Association also offers follow-up calls to anyone who would like one. "At that time, we may give a resource, you know, when their crisis is more under control, and they have, you know, they're in a better mindset to accept a resource," Trombley said. She said the Lifeline gets a lot of repeat callers, but every call is treated like the first time, because they never want to assume what someone is going through at that moment. Anyone who finds themselves in a crisis is welcome to call 988. Trombley said this looks different for everyone. "We can see a variety of crisis calls," Trombley said. "People with housing and relationship issues, substance abuse, it varies. It depends on what somebody considers a low point in their life."

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988 Lifeline now available 24/7

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