988, the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline has officially launched nationwide, as announced by the Wisconsin Department of Health Services. DRW applauds the effort to increase access to mental health services. We appreciate 988 as part of a more effective response to people experiencing mental health crises. But 988 alone is not enough.
Some people with lived experience and others have raised questions about how the new system will work, including concerns about forced treatment and police involvement when engaging with this system. While 988 can be part of a response to urgent mental health needs, DRW will continue to advocate for a continuum of services that provide choice, supports self determination and increases investment in community based services.
See below for some different perspectives on 988. It’s important to hear a range of perspectives and consider all options when accessing services and treatment.
- Learn more about the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline via the Wisconsin Department of Health Services.
- View the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) 988 Factsheet (PDF).
- View the National Association for Rights Protection and Advocacy (NARPA) Webinar: The Promise and the Pitfalls of 988: Survivor Advocacy Perspectives
- Wisconsin is building a robust system of peer services and support. Learn more about Peer Services via the DHS.
- Read “Why I Won’t (Yet) Recommend 988 as a Crisis and Suicide Prevention Resource” by Vic Welle via Medium.
- Read “A New Day of More of the Same? Our Hopes and Fears for 988 (and 911)” (PDF) by the Bazelon Center for Mental Health Law.