More than 80 percent of Nevadans aren’t aware of the state’s 24/7 suicide prevention hotline, prompting the state to rebrand the program and to make another push to educate the public about it, officials announced Monday.
The service’s name was shortened from “Nevada 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline” to “Nevada 988,” and the state launched a new website, nevada988.org.
“This is the first step of many to spread awareness and educate Nevadans on how 988 can be used in their communities for safe, real-time behavioral health help,” said Nevada Crisis Response Section Manager Rachel Isherwood during a Reno press conference. “We want Nevadans and their friends, families and caregivers to know who to call before they reach a crisis.”
Her remarks were shared in a press release.
Originally launched in 2022, Nevada 988 offers urgent emotional and mental health support around the clock through the phone, text messaging or online.
The state operates two call centers where counselors are on standby for confidential conversations. They’re trained to listen, offer support and screen those who contact them in case they require additional help.
The program, administered by the Nevada Division of Public and Behavioral Health, is part of a national 988 network.
The agency and its partners, including the National Alliance of Mental Illness of Nevada, will also organize educational campaigns over the coming months, the release said.
“My administration is dedicated to expanding mental health services in Nevada, including opening a second 988 call center in Southern Nevada and ensuring steady funding for the program,” Gov. Joe Lombardo said in the release. “It’s essential that every Nevadan knows they can reach this vital resource whenever they need it.”
Nevada said that research indicated that less than 20 percent of Nevadans were aware of 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.
“It’s important we are successful in encouraging Nevadans to remember 988 before they need it,” said Robin Reedy, executive director of NAMI Nevada. “Awareness matters, but awareness alone is not enough. In a mental health crisis, the worst time to figure out where to turn is during the crisis itself.”
Nevada encouraged residents to save 988 on their phones and to promote the service with their loved ones.
“When Nevadans do reach 988, they are connected with a real human providing professional, trained support,” the release said.
To learn more about the service, visit nevada988.org.
Contact Ricardo Torres-Cortez at rtorres@reviewjournal.com.
