In Montgomery, Alabama, the Department of Mental Health is reaching out with a message of hope and support during the holiday season, emphasizing the availability of the mental health crisis hotline, 988. The department encourages those experiencing feelings of despair, grief, or suicidal thoughts, as well as their loved ones, to seek assistance through this readily accessible resource.
The holiday season can be particularly challenging for individuals dealing with grief or the pressure of gift-giving, according to Erica Barnett of Carastar Health. Health experts stress that it’s okay not to feel festive during Christmas but strongly recommend reaching out to loved ones or seeking help when needed.
“All of our services are confidential. It can range from someone who’s dealing with depression to someone who is suicidal,” explains Barnett.
Carastar Health, serving as the primary crisis center for the River Region, is one of five crisis centers across the state providing mental health services or referrals through 988.
Since the launch of the hotline in July, the Alabama Department of Mental Health (ADMH) reports that 61,032 Alabamians have utilized the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. This highlights a significant shift in how people access behavioral health care in the state, demonstrating the challenges individuals faced in accessing available services.
However, concerns have been raised about 20% of Alabamians calling 988 being routed to a national call center instead of a state operator. ADMH Commissioner Kimberly Boswell stresses the importance of additional funding from lawmakers to keep more calls within the state. She believes having someone in Alabama answering the calls ensures better communication about the resources and counseling available in the state.
“988 is the gateway to all of our 24/7 crisis services in our state,” emphasizes Boswell. The department remains committed to advocating for increased funding to enhance the effectiveness of the crisis hotline and mental health services statewide.
