National Suicide Prevention’s 9-8-8 lifeline number is coming

Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — The Department of Human and Social Services (DHSS) is pleased to announce it has received the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline’s 9-8-8 State Planning Grant through Vibrant Emotional Health, the nonprofit administrator of the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (Lifeline).

Through the grant, the DHSS, in partnership with the Department of Health (DOH), along with other agencies and non-profit organizations, will participate in the development of strategic plans for American Samoa in preparation for the projected infrastructure needs, volume growth, and access to the Lifeline’s new 9-8-8 number. Vibrant has awarded grants to 49 states and territories.

In July 2022, 9-8-8 will become the national three-digit dialing code for the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, replacing the current phone number of 1-800-273-TALK (8255). Americans needing support should continue to call 1-800-273-TALK (8255) until then.

“Access to mental health and crisis support has never been more critical for Americans,” said Kimberly Williams, President and CEO of Vibrant Emotional Health. “Vibrant is committed to providing the states and territories with some of the resources they'll need to plan for the implementation of 9-8-8 and to support their local crisis centers. By working together, we will increase access to care, reduce the stigma around mental health and, ultimately, save lives.”

Through their partnership, the DHSS and DoH will be inviting other key stakeholder departments, agencies, and non-profit organizations to develop clear roadmaps to address coordination, capacity, funding, and communications surrounding the launch of 9-8-8. As the lead agency for this project, the DHSS will collaborate with state leadership, suicide prevention experts, people with lived experience, and others to create a 9-8-8 implementation plan and support the Lifeline’s operational, clinical, and performance standards that allow access to care.

Acting Director Muavaefa’atasi John E. Suisala stated, “The DHSS looks forward to partnering with DOH Director Motusa Tuileama Nua and his team, as well as other key stakeholders that will be invited to identify and implement strategies to effectively address the rising suicide rates across our Territory. Suicide prevention awareness must be a community initiative to effectively reach those who find themselves struggling.”

Muavaefa’atasi added, “Equally important is that the resources this grant provides will help fortify the systems that will be available for 9-8-8 callers who want long- term support through counseling and other services our Departments provide.”

In closing, the DHSS Acting Director emphasized that “true partnership is critical if we are to create a comprehensive, coordinated, and collaborative strategic plan for preventing suicide in American Samoa.

“And, that is why we will solicit active involvement from the Department of Public Safety, Department of Education, American Samoa Community College, American Samoa Medical Authority, Emergency Medical Services, Office of Protection and Advocacy, American Samoa Alliance Against Domestic and Sexual Violence, Catholic Social Services, Teen Challenge, LDS Social Services, EPIC, Veterans Affairs Clinic and Community Center, American Samoa Telecommunications Authority, and Bluesky Communications to make sure that our 9-8-8 system is ready and able to save lives.”

Vibrant believes the new 9-8-8 number, once implemented, will ensure the Lifeline will continue to be America’s mental health safety net by providing emotional support for people in distress, reducing suicides and mental health crises, and providing a pathway to well-being for all.

ABOUT THE NATIONAL SUICIDE PREVENTION LIFELINE

Funded by the U.S. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) and administered by Vibrant Emotional Health, the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is a leader in suicide prevention and mental health crisis care.

The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline provides free and confidential emotional support and crisis counseling to people in suicidal crisis or emotional distress 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, across the United States.

The Lifeline comprises a national network of over 180 local crisis centers, uniting local resources with national best practices.

Since its inception in 2005, the Lifeline has engaged in innovative public messaging, development of best practices in mental health, creative partnerships, and more to improve crisis services and advance suicide prevention for all. suicidepreventionlifeline.org

ABOUT VIBRANT EMOTIONAL HEALTH

Vibrant Emotional Health is a non-profit organization that helps individuals and families achieve emotional wellbeing. For over 50 years, our groundbreaking solutions have delivered high-quality services and support, when, where and how people need it.

We offer confidential emotional support through our state-of-the-art contact center and crisis hotline services that use leading edge telephone, text and web-based technologies and include the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, NFL Life Line and NYC Well.

Through our community wellness programs individuals and families obtain supports and skills they need to thrive.

Our advocacy and education initiatives promote mental wellbeing as a social responsibility.

Each year we help more than 2.5 million people live healthier and more vibrant lives. We are advancing access, dignity and respect for all and revolutionizing the system for good. Visit vibrant.org. And follow Vibrant on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.