West Virginia (WTRF) — A major step was taken last year to make mental services readily available during a crisis.
The phone number you can call has changed to just 3 digits 9-8-8.
Since then, calls to Lifeline in West Virginia have been stable.
But texts and chats are on the rise.
988 Lifeline plans to ramp up its fundraising soon to reach more people.
Senators Joe Manchin and Sherry Moore Capito announced that they will donate more than $450,000 to the program. This is used to build partnerships with 911 centers and other agencies that can work with 988 Lifeline in case the caller needs follow-up services.
“I think we’ve seen real change in the last few years. I understand that it is absolutely critical.”
Sheila Moran, Director of Communications and Marketing
Part of the money will also be used for outreach to make sure people know 988 Lifeline is there and how to access it.
If you or someone you know is in crisis, call 988 or visit mental health websites.
