Don ’ t Suffer in Silence, Many Mental Health Resources are Available in Central Virginia
By: Orange County Communications Department with Encompass Community Supports
Last July, the new three digit 988 Lifeline phone number became effective in the Commonwealth of Virginia. 988 was developed as an easier - to - remember number for those experiencing a mental health crisis. The previous national number (800) 273 - TALK (8255), is still in use and will remain effective alongside 988. The impact of the lifeline has been impressive. According to the Lifeline ’ s website, over 20 million calls have been received since 2005 from people in distress. It is important to note that 988 is distinct from 911; 988 Lifeline callers are connected to alternative resources, usually local or regional centers, with backup support provided by a national network of more than 200 locations. This depth of service ensures that those in - need will be able to reach assistance, regardless of circumstances. Providing alternative forms of aid when appropriate, separate from
911, allows law enforcement and emergency services to be more available for public safety needs, and may decrease an individual ’ s reluctance to place a call during a crisis. In accordance with this intent, Orange County 911 dispatchers were, in fact, early participants in pilot programs to reroute certain mental health - related calls (in which the caller was not an immediate danger to themselves or others) to regional crisis centers for alternate support. Residents should know that in addition to the 988 Lifeline, the direct line for our regional Crisis Call Center is (434) 230 - 9704. While 988 is designed to prioritize a connection with a local or regional center, calling this number will take the caller directly there. Trained volunteers and crisis line workers are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week to provide support to those experiencing anxiety, depression, suicidal thoughts, relationship difficulties, mental health struggles, homelessness, trauma, loneliness, substance abuse, bullying, discrimination, and more. Those who consider calling should be reassured in the knowledge they will be speaking with an empathetic individual who will listen and is able to provide referrals to additional post - call care options.
For additional individualized support, Encompass Community Supports (formerly known as Rappahannock Rapidan Community Services) has developed a Voluntary Database for the counties it serves, including Orange, Madison, Culpeper, Fauquier, and Rappahannock. According to Erika Vesely, Community Response Coordinator, “ The Voluntary Database allows citizens to input important mental, behavioral, and physical health information about themselves that could be useful to first responders during a crisis response. The information in the database is accessed only when a citizen calls 911 for help. ” Residents interested in the RRCS Voluntary Database can learn more, or input their information at share4health.rrcsb.org.
Page 9 | August 2023
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