As of Saturday July 16th, everyone in the United States can now access suicide prevention support by simply dialing three easy-to-remember numbers. Call 988 from anywhere in the US and you will be connected to the National Suicide Prevention Call Center network and someone who can support you during a hard moment. Trained hotline volunteers and staff are highly skilled at providing support to people in crisis, including assessing for safety and connecting people to resources.
For Nevada County residents who are feeling suicidal or in crisis, or for their loved ones and friends who are worried, only needing to remember three simple numbers instead of a longer 1-800 number should make accessing care much easier. This shift to a national simple phone number is the first step in a broader vision to improve crisis care for people with behavioral health needs across the country. Given the rise in overdose deaths and rates of depression and anxiety for young people and adults, improved crisis services are essential. Help spread the word about this change in how to reach crisis support over the phone!
Also, always remember that if someone is in imminent danger or risk, please call 911 to get an in-person response.
You can also call the Nevada County Behavioral Health crisis line for access to local services: 530-265-5811 or drop by the Crisis Stabilization Unit located in the parking lot of Sierra Nevada Memorial Emergency Department (or visit the crisis counselor located at Tahoe Forest Hospital.) Learn more about the 988 system.
