Did you know that trained counselors are staffing the 988 Lifeline alongside South Sound 911 dispatchers in the call center to deliver emotional support, crisis counseling and access to essential resources?
South Sound 911 call takers will assess if a transfer to a 988 Lifeline counselor is appropriate. Those dialing 988 directly are connected to a 988 counselor without transfer from South Sound 911.
This groundbreaking collaboration is the first of its kind in Washington. 988 Lifeline (formerly known as the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline) offers 24/7 call, text and chat access to crisis counselors who can help those experiencing suicidal, substance abuse and/or mental health crisis or emotional distress.
According to 988 Lifeline statistics, less than 10 percent of all calls handled by a 988 counselor result in a higher level of intervention; less than 2 percent require law enforcement or emergency medical services response.
Get more details on the South Sound 911 website.