New Suicide Hotline
As of July 18, 2022, to reach the national suicide hotline, dial or text the numbers “988.” If you’re experiencing a mental health crisis, call or text “988” and you will be connected to a confidential mental health professional. The current lifeline phone number will stay the same – it’s easier to remember now.
Visit the new website at 988lifeline.org.
Mental Health Funding
There has been an increase in mental health funding. In my state which is Pennsylvania, for instance, there is a new $43 million budget for county mental health offices who provide at-home and community based behavioral health services. Adult behavioral health care will receive $100 million. Also, schools will receive $100 million. Each school district will receive $100,000. Charter schools will receive $70,000.
The $43 million is a 5% increase in the budget. There hasn’t been an increase in funding in ten years. In 2012, funding slashed more than $1.8 billion from their budgets for services for children and adults living with mental illness. Our state has unused funds left over from the relief budget which is going to fund important programs that will help communities.
Pennsylvania Youth Survey (PAYS)
The Pennsylvania Youth Survey is a survey of youth in grades 6, 8, 10, and 12. The survey asks questions about students’ school environment, attitudes, knowledge and behaviors concerning alcohol, tobacco, other drugs, violence, depression, other problem behaviors, and risk factors.
- 40% of students said they felt sad or depressed most days in 2021.
- More children also planned or considered suicide in 2021 as compared to the previous 2 years.
- Self-harm has increased.
To learn more about your state, search “mental health (your state) stimulus funds” or “(your state) remaining covid relief” or check out the State Oversight of Federal Stimulus Funds.
