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July 19, 2024 – Celebrating Two Years of 9-8-8
This week marks the second anniversary of the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, a vital service offered by the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS). The 988 Lifeline provides around-the-clock support for those experiencing mental health and substance use crises. Over the past two years, the lifeline’s counselors have responded to nearly 190,000 calls, texts, and chats, with the number of monthly contacts from North Carolinians doubling in the second year.
The past year has seen significant enhancements to the 988 Lifeline, including the addition of chat and text options in Spanish and video chat capabilities for people with disabilities, underscoring NCDHHS’s commitment to accessibility and inclusivity. The department utilizes the 988 Performance Dashboard to make data-informed decisions, continually improving access to these critical services.
The 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline is a cornerstone of NCDHHS’s efforts to ensure that every North Carolinian has someone to contact, someone to respond, and a safe place for help during a behavioral health crisis.
Preparing for Impacts from South Hill, VA Fire
In response to the fire at a warehouse in South Hill, Virginia, on July 6, NCDHHS is collaborating with NC Emergency Management, the NC Department of Environmental Quality (NCDEQ), and Virginia agencies to mitigate the resulting environmental impacts. The warehouse contained large quantities of agricultural chemicals, and runoff from firefighting efforts has contaminated several water systems in southern Virginia, including the Meherrin River and the Miles and Dockery Creeks.
NCDHHS has advised local health departments in affected areas to issue recreational water advisories in line with those in Virginia. Residents should avoid swimming or fishing in any waters under advisory and stay informed through reputable sources like government agency websites, social media accounts, and local media. Ongoing updates are available on the NCDEQ website.
$11 Million Investment in Behavioral Health for Children with Complex Needs
NCDHHS has announced an $11 million investment in treatment services aimed at keeping children with complex behavioral health needs in homes and communities. Partnering with Rapid Resources for Families, NCDHHS will expand access to Intensive Alternative Family Treatment® (IAFT), a program that provides therapeutic foster care with counseling and psychiatric supports.
IAFT® is designed for children and teens with severe behavioral difficulties, those at risk of hospitalization, those who have experienced multiple failed placements, and those with co-occurring needs. The program is available to all families, regardless of whether the children are in DSS custody. This investment is part of NCDHHS’s broader commitment to expanding equitable access to high-quality, trauma-informed, and family-centered care across various settings, including homes, schools, communities, and residential facilities.
These initiatives underscore NCDHHS’s ongoing dedication to improving behavioral health services and ensuring that all North Carolinians have access to the care and support they need.
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