9-8-8 Crisis Hotline Could Transform Mental Health Care System

July 18, 2022

Those who are experiencing a mental health crisis no longer need to remember 1-800-273-8255 or wait hours for help. They can now call or text the 988 National Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, formerly known as the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, to connect with mental health professionals who are trained to respond to these emergencies.

The three-digit number replaces the 10-digit 800 number to the Lifeline. Individuals can call, chat, or text 988 to reach free and confidential emotional support around the clock, seven days a week.

A graphic with a navy background. In large, light blue lettering at the top of the graphic reads, "988." Below is smaller, white lettering is the phrase, "24/7 crisis and support. In the bottom half of the graphic, there is an image depicting a woman with black curly hair looking out a window.

The Lifeline consists of a national network of more than 200 local crisis centers to get people the help they need, when they need it. Last year, one in five calls to a suicide crisis hotline resulted in a dropped call while others waited hours for assistance.

The three-digit Lifeline is a step forward in transforming America's mental health response and suicide prevention. You can learn more about the Lifeline here.

For further crisis intervention resources available here in Connecticut, click here.


This Week's Events at the Ferguson Library
Below is a brief message from the Ferguson Library in Stamford:
PROGRAMS
 
 

Book Discussions
No registration required.
 
Harry Bennett Branch
Monday, July 18 at 7 p.m. via Zoom (log in info)
Crying in H Mart by Michelle Zauner
Let’s Talk: Conversation Groups for English Language Learners
Tuesday, July 19 via Zoom
Log in at the correct time.
New students: noon
Basic: 12:30 p.m.
Low intermediate: 2:30 p.m.
Advanced 5:30 p.m.
 
Wednesday, July 20
High intermediate: 10 a.m.
Beginner: 3 p.m.

Community Mindfulness Project Meditation
Tuesday, July 19 at Noon
Main Library, DiMattia Building
Dudley N. Williams, Jr. Auditorium
This 45-minute session will include a 30-minute guided meditation to help reset and support your well-being.
 

Tech Tuesdays: Smartphone Tips for Older Adults
Tuesday, July 19 from 11 a.m. to 12:15 p.m.
South End Branch
Second Floor Program Room
Get the most out of your iPhone or Android. Free weekly classes for older adults with our experienced bilingual (English and Spanish) team.
 
Basic Microsoft Excel
Thursday, July 21 from 2 to 3:30 p.m.
Main Library Third Floor Technology Center
Learn how to create and save a spreadsheet, enter data and write formulas. Face masks required. No experience with Excel needed. Register.
 
Death Cafe Stamford
Thursday, July 21 from 2 to 3 p.m. via Zoom
A discussion about increasing the awareness of death to help people make the most of their finite lives. With Sahara Farrugio, a licensed funeral director specializing in advanced planning. Note: Death Cafe is not grief support or counseling. Log in.
 
 

Board Game Night
Friday, July 22 from 6 to 7:30 p.m.
Weed Memorial & Hollander Branch
Book a babysitter and join us for a night of fun and games. Complimentary snacks.
Fun with Line Dancing
Friday, July 22 from 6:30 to 8 p.m.
South End Branch
Teens and adults are invited to bring their friends and learn some popular line-dancing moves. No experience necessary.

Making Music
Saturday July 23 from 10:30 a.m. to noon
South End Branch
Master drummer Henry Jones talks about instruments from around the world. Join him in making your own drum and make music together. All ages.
For more library events, resources, news, and services, please click here.