BY JOHN CAMERA HUDSON VALLEY

A little more than a year ago, 988 became the designated number for anyone in the country to call if they were experiencing a mental health crisis, but a recent survey shows many callers are not happy with service.

Mental health care experts are trying to figure out why.

Since 1977, the mental health care help line has been a resource for Dutchess County residents in need. They’re trained to provide the best care whenever they pick up the phone, knowing the person on the other line might be struggling in a serious way.

“From there, we’ll link them to services, a safety plan with individuals and in the end, link them to the appropriate level of care,” said Kristin Parise, Dutchess County clinical program director for acute services.

Parise said that because the folks answering the phones live in the same communities as those making them, it brings a local touch that makes for a successful experience.

Jean-Marie Niebuhr, deputy commissioner of the Dutchess County Department of Behavioral and Community Health, agrees.

But as awareness around the national 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline continues to grow, so does dissatisfaction with it, according to a recent web-based survey by the JAMA network, which found only one-third of users were very likely to use it in the future. It's still unclear why.

Niebuhr does know why her call center maintains repeat callers.

“We always approach those calls as if we're talking to our neighbors," she said. "The people who are answering the phone are really in touch with our community resources. So they're very aware of what's available in our community, and they can connect them easily and quickly to any other resources that might be needed.”

A recent push by lawmakers, including NY-19 Rep. Marc Molinaro, would reroute calls from the national 988 line to local call centers.

Parise said that's a good idea, one that could potentially save lives.

“I think that relationship is crucial and important, and why we are able to get the individuals to the level of care they need,” Parise said.

#James Donaldson notes:Welcome to the “next chapter” of my life… being a voice and an advocate for #mentalhealthawarenessandsuicideprevention, especially pertaining to our younger generation of students and student-athletes.Getting men to speak up and reach out for help and assistance is one of my passions. Us men need to not suffer in silence or drown our sorrows in alcohol, hang out at bars and strip joints, or get involved with drug use.Having gone through a recent bout of #depression and #suicidalthoughts myself, I realize now, that I can make a huge difference in the lives of so many by sharing my story, and by sharing various resources I come across as I work in this space.  #http://bit.ly/JamesMentalHealthArticleFind out more about the work I do on my 501c3 non-profit foundationwebsite www.yourgiftoflife.org Order your copy of James Donaldson's latest book,#CelebratingYourGiftofLife: From The Verge of Suicide to a Life of Purpose and Joy

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https://standingabovethecrowd.com/james-donaldson-on-mental-health-survey-finds-dissatisfaction-with-988-suicide-and-crisis-lifeline/