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Launching the new “988” Suicide Prevention Lifeline number

July 15, 2022 | Healthy Communities News

With a continuing mental health crisis in the wake of the pandemic, the move to a new number for the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline could not be more welcome. Beginning July 16, “988” is the new number to call for help, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. In this episode of Healthy Communities News, host Hilary Russo introduces us to one of the teams answering those calls – Didi Hirsch Mental Health Services in Southern California.

And, in the podcast, host Melissa Eagan talks to Cara McNulty, President of Behavioral Health and Mental Wellbeing for CVS Health, about the work her team is doing to try and reduce suicide attempts among members by 20% by the year 2025. She also speaks with Ann Taylor, who volunteers for Didi Hirsch and is herself a suicide survivor.

This article is part of the CVS Health-Harris Poll National Health Project which explores health attitudes and perceptions covering a wide range of relevant and timely topics.