New 988 Dialing Code for
Suicide Prevention and Mental Health Crisis

988-the new universal three-digit dialing code for suicide prevention and mental health crisis-goes into effect nationwide on Saturday, July 16, 2022. SAMSHA (the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services) will administer the new "988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline," which will replace the current toll-free National Suicide Prevention Lifeline 1-800-273-TALK (1-800-273-8255). Importantly, the pre-existing 10-digit number will remain active and will connect callers to the new 988 Lifeline.

The 988 Lifeline is designed to become a simple alternative to both 911 and the existing 1-800 number. One of the goals of the new number is to reduce the use of 911 for suicide and mental health crises, because calling 911 in such situations too often results in inadequate or inappropriate intervention by the police, or unnecessary hospitalization or incarceration. Calling 988 instead will direct the caller to representatives specifically trained in the management of suicide risk and other mental health crises.

This new, simplified tool is critical for older adults and those living with a disability because such individuals are at greater risk for mental health crisis and suicide. As SAMSHA pointed out in its Appropriations Report for 988, suicide rates are higher among older adults. Among men, the suicide rate is highest for adults aged 75 and older, while among women, the suicide rate is highest among those aged 45 to 64. Likewise, a recent study found that people with disabilities were significantly more likely than those without disabilities to report suicidal ideation, planning, or attempt. The 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline offers a simpler and more effective way for older adults and those living with disabilities to access help in the event of a mental health crisis.

Some helpful tips about using Lifeline:
• After dialing 988, a caller in need of the Veterans Crisis Line can then press "1" to be routed to that resource, while a caller in need of assistance in Spanish can press "2." Interpretation through Language Line Solutions is also available in over 250 other languages.
• People who are deaf or hard of hearing can access TTY by dialing 711 then 1-800-273-8255 or using their preferred relay service. Lifeline is in the process of expanding to video phone service.
• Lifeline also offers services through chat and text (in English only).
For more information, please see the following resources:
• SAMSHA, "988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline"
• National Suicide Prevention Lifeline general information
• National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, "988 Planning Grants: A funding opportunity by Vibrant Emotional Health and the Lifeline to plan for the implementation of 988"
• Health Affairs, "Implementing The 988 Hotline: A Critical Window to Decriminalize Mental Health"

https://www3.onshift.com/hubfs/WP041_Workforce_360_2021.pdf

April 28th, 2022

4:00 - 7:00 PM

Market Square at Crocker Park/Westlake

Presented by Northeast Ohio Boomer Magazine.

Contact me if you would like FREE Tickets!

Sherriek@northeastohioboomer.com

National Health Care Decision Day is April 16, the day after taxes normally are due. The point of National Health Care Decision Day is to inspire people to have discussions with their loved ones about what they want to happen in their health care. The founders Health Care Decision Day do not expect people to know what they might want to be done for them if a major injury or illness forces them to change their expectations about their lives. The conversations that National Health Care Decision Day how's to inspire will help people to determine their own wishes and to help their loved ones understand those wishes, preparing loved ones to carry out those decisions of needed.

Tools to facilitate these discussions are available at TheConversationProject.org.

Vision Rehabilitation

When glasses aren’t enough, there is help!

The Vision Rehabilitation Staff at Cleveland Sight Center help individuals of all ages who are blind or have vision loss find solutions to help them do what they want to do.

The staff members include Vision Rehabilitation Therapists, Orientation and Mobility

Specialists, Assistive Technology Specialists and Occupational Therapists who will work with you on an individualized basis to help meet your specific goals and needs.

Examples of things we can help with:

Start reading again

Write a check

Check your bank statement

Keep track of your own appointments

Learn how to use a smartphone, computer and other electronic devices

Cook and prepare food with confidence

Take a walk when you want to

Know the time without having to ask others

Pick out a matching outfit on your own

Get and stay organized

Regain confidence in your ability to complete daily tasks

Learn the necessary skills to stay safe in your home

To learn more about Vision Rehabilitation Contact Bryan Manthey at

bmanthey@clevelandsightcenter.org or 216-658-8746.

Cleveland Sight Center is a nonprofit vision rehabilitation agency designed to enable people who are blind or visually impaired to achieve independence.

 1909 EAST 101ST ST. CLEVELAND, OH 44106 | (216) 791-8118 | CLEVELANDSIGHTCENTER.ORG

Come join the Hudson Meadows Retirement Community family as we talk with Jody Schweiger of Caring Transitions about how to begin the process of transitioning to an independent retirement community. Great info for seniors and their adult "children"!

Free and open to the public.  Please call 330 653-2053 to RSVP by 3/22/21.  Face masks, temp check and social distancing are required- thanks!

Wednesday, March 24th, 2021 at 10:30 am at 1275 Barlow Road, Hudson, Ohio 44236

Hudson Meadows Retirement Community is Hudson's newest 55+ resort-style, all-inclusive retirement living community!  Come discover the difference at one of our Information Seminars where you will join us for a short presentation, meet our live-in managers, and tour our beautiful new community.

Wednesday, January 6, 2021, at 3:00 pm

or

Wednesday, January 13, 2021, at 10:00 am

1275 Barlow Road, Hudson, Ohio 44236   330 653 2053

Retire Well.  Retire Here.

Hudson Meadows