Mississippi Department of Mental Health

As many of you are already aware, the state and nation have been working to implement 988 – a national behavioral health crisis line that will connect individuals and families in crisis with the help and support they need. 988 will replace the current 1-800 National Suicide Prevention Lifeline and will be promoted as a suicide prevention and behavioral health crisis line that goes live July 16, 2022. DMH has been working with a Planning Coalition over the past year to prepare for this launch. As part of our planning process, we are seeking input from individuals and families with lived experience to help inform decisions regarding the enhancement of our state’s crisis system.

Recognizing that individuals and families with lived experience are closest to the solutions and have unique perspectives highlights the importance of utilizing these experiences to enhance the crisis system. A virtual community forum for individuals and families with lived experience will be held on May 12, from 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. The forum will be hosted by Health Management Associates, a consulting group assisting DMH with 988 implementation.

Crisis service topics with an emphasis on individuals and families with lived experience needs will include:

• Strengths, gaps, and opportunities of the current crisis system
• Critical components of a crisis response system for first responders
• Critical linkages and practices to other inter-dependent systems

Register here >>