Building the Raft While Drowning: Searching for Mental Health Help & Hope in Rural America

988 Could Change the Way We Handle Suicide Prevention

June 24, 2024 Sarah Dixon-Hackey
988 Could Change the Way We Handle Suicide Prevention
Building the Raft While Drowning: Searching for Mental Health Help & Hope in Rural America
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Building the Raft While Drowning: Searching for Mental Health Help & Hope in Rural America
988 Could Change the Way We Handle Suicide Prevention
Jun 24, 2024
Sarah Dixon-Hackey

In this epsiode I am joined by Jeremy Brown, Outreach Director for FirstLink. Based out of Fargo, ND FirstLink is a free, confidential service that offers listening and support, referrals to resources, and crisis intervention 24 hours a day. 

Jeremy and I will be talking about 988, the National Suicide & Crisis Lifeline that was signed into law in 2020. We’ll discuss the importance of 988 within the larger scope of North Dakota’s Behavioral Health System and how FirstLink plays a critical role in its implementation. We also discuss some of the most common questions related to 988 including:

  • What are examples of when I should call 988?
  • Can you call the number if you speak another language?
  • Is the number only for suicide crises?
  • What is the difference between 211 and 988?

#mentalhealth #crisis #community


If you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis, call or text 988.

Show Notes Chapter Markers

In this epsiode I am joined by Jeremy Brown, Outreach Director for FirstLink. Based out of Fargo, ND FirstLink is a free, confidential service that offers listening and support, referrals to resources, and crisis intervention 24 hours a day. 

Jeremy and I will be talking about 988, the National Suicide & Crisis Lifeline that was signed into law in 2020. We’ll discuss the importance of 988 within the larger scope of North Dakota’s Behavioral Health System and how FirstLink plays a critical role in its implementation. We also discuss some of the most common questions related to 988 including:

  • What are examples of when I should call 988?
  • Can you call the number if you speak another language?
  • Is the number only for suicide crises?
  • What is the difference between 211 and 988?

#mentalhealth #crisis #community


If you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis, call or text 988.

What is 988?
What if someone doesn't speak English?
Are calls recorded?
What can I expect when I call the number?
Why is 988 such a big deal?
How is 988 important to mental health support?
What was the 988 bill in ND?
What kind of training do 988 operators go through?
What other services are offered by FirstLink?