Lisa is joined by Margie Balfour, M.D., Ph.D., psychiatrist, and Chief Clinical Quality Officer at Connections Health Solutions, the leading innovator in behavioral health crisis care. Dr. Balfour is the co-author of the Crisis Roadmap https://crisisroadmap.com, the blueprint that contains all aspects of an ideal crisis system along with measurable performance criteria that communities can use for ongoing assessment of their progress.  

Dr. Balfour joins Lisa to talk about the emergency 988 number, the the equivalent of 911 for mental health, went live in the US.

On  July 16, the emergency 988 number, the equivalent of 911 for mental health, went live in the US.  When people call, text, or chat 988, their call will be routed to trained, local counselors who are part of the existing National Suicide Prevention Lifeline network.  Better equipped to handle mental and behavioral health issues in their community than 911 dispatchers, these counselors can provide local resources and referrals when people need it most. 

• A dedicated mental health crisis phone number may help to break the stigma associated with mental health issues and change the perception of “what to do” during a mental/behavioral health crisis   
• The number will provide support for anyone in distress; as well as anyone worried about a friend or loved one who needs information on how to support them
• 988 will provide an alternative to law enforcement as the primary intervention for a mental health crisis