Sieda Behavioral Health and Treatment Services (BHTS) Prevention shares a new prevention line. The National Suicide Prevention Line (NSPL) 3-digit number, 988, launches on July 16, 2022. The creation of this hotline dedicated to mental health emergencies intends to help address the rising need and free up the 911 calls for other emergencies. This number is staffed by two centers in Iowa, CommUnity and Foundation 2. Both centers can answer calls, chats, and texts. 

The trained crisis counselors will provide crisis de-escalation and connect people to services and support. Counselors can talk through the caller’s struggle. As well as send a mobile crisis team to the caller’s location. Other community-based crisis services will be available for warm handoffs. The idea is the counselor connects the individual directly to services without that person having to place another call.  

Sieda BHTS Prevention has seen that statistics prove the increased demand for mental health support. Calls to the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline increased by 78% since 2016. According to the CDC, suicide in 2020 was the second leading cause of death for people ages 10-14 and 25-34. Officials believe with the launch of 988, the two call centers in Iowa may receive more than 71,000 calls, chats, or texts in the first 12 months.

Sieda Behavioral Health and Treatment Services (BHTS) Prevention, 641-683-6747.