988 What do you know of it?

[Neighbor]

988 suicide and perhaps crisis hotline. What do you know of it? Is it a USA only number or is this more universal?

[Neighbor]

Any knowledge of how it may be useful to a Christian in need?

[NConly]

It is a suicide line that has been around and the old number still works. The 988 was acquired to help people remember it easier. the old number was an 800 number; 988 just forwards to the 800 number still can call either get same place  number

 

https://blog.hellotds.com/get-the-411-on-4-1-1-and-other-3-digit-phone-numbers/     

you can scroll down to see 988

 

 

 

[Marathoner]

On 8/24/2024 at 10:50 AM, Neighbor said:

988 suicide and perhaps crisis hotline. What do you know of it? Is it a USA only number or is this more universal?

988 is indeed a crisis phone line and furthermore, can be used to reach the Veterans Crisis Line by pressing 1. Yes, it is specific to the United States. 

The UK and other nations have their own crisis response lines. 

[Neighbor]

1 minute ago, Marathoner said:

988 is indeed a crisis phone line and furthermore, can be used to reach the Veterans Crisis Line by pressing 1. Yes, it is specific to the United States. 

The UK and other nations have their own crisis response lines. 

Do you know if it  is an appropriate number for Christian based  websites to be recommending to those  seeking emergency help with serious emotional "issues"?  Kind of like  when calling a doctor's office and receiving the message "if this is an emergency hang up and dial 911".

[Marathoner]

On 8/24/2024 at 10:51 AM, Neighbor said:

Any knowledge of how it may be useful to a Christian in need?

The 988 line connects the caller to someone who listens and knows how to route the call in cases of self-harm (or harming others). The Veterans Crisis Line is similar only in their case, those who work the Veterans Line specialize in veteran-related issues. They are able to connect veterans directly to help in their area. If they are eligible for care from the VA, they can refer vets directly to them. 

If one looks at the Veterans Crisis Line webpage, you'll see a photo of a fellow displayed there. I know him very well. He served in Iraq and Afghanistan. 

[Marathoner]

4 minutes ago, Neighbor said:

Do you know if it  is an appropriate number for Christian based  websites to be recommending to those  seeking emergency help with serious emotional "issues"?  Kind of like  when calling a doctor's office and receiving the message "if this is an emergency hang up and dial 911".

I think so. Why?

[Neighbor]

9 minutes ago, Marathoner said:

I think so. Why?

Well I wonder if when someone posts on WCF as example and they are desperate and thinking they should just do themselves in that it might be an excellent part of any responce on the board.

Stating many here will be pleased to read  of your serious concern and to  share with you so please wait on the several responses that will likely be coming your way, BUT  if this is an emergency stop posting for a moment and dial 988 on your phone.

I also wonder is there any anti-christian bias in the 988 response system?

 Seems maybe I have reached the right person  in you at WCF  since you know someone in the VA response system.

[Marathoner]

22 minutes ago, Neighbor said:

Well I wonder if when someone posts on WCF as example and they are desperate and thinking they should just do themselves in that it might be an excellent part of any responce on the board.

Stating many here will be pleased to read  of your serious concern and to  share with you so please wait on the several responses that will likely be coming your way, BUT  if this is an emergency stop posting for a moment and dial 988 on your phone.

I also wonder is there any anti-christian bias in the 988 response system?

 Seems maybe I have reached the right person  in you at WCF  since you know someone in the VA response system.

I'm not aware of any bias. But then again, I'm not suspicious-minded so I'm not looking for things to complain or rail about, so there's that. 

I work for those in need, brother, so there's only so much we can do for them. Things are complicated by this medium (an internet forum). Everyone is anonymous, so all we can do is point the way (a crisis line is a solid option, but it helps to know if they're in the U.S. or a different country) and pray. 

[Marathoner]

I'd be glad to help out with multinational crisis line information (the US, Canada, UK, Asia, etc.) if there's an interest in it. Let me know.