July 18, 2022
New Vista is proud to answer the calls of Central Kentuckians as the transition to 988 happens nationwide, providing greater access to mental health services and suicide prevention. The three-digit number is intended to make accessing help in a behavioral health crisis as easy as dialing 911 in any other crisis.
As the Community Mental Health Center serving 17 Central Kentucky Counties for decades, New Vista has the necessary experience to connect callers with the resources they need. The organization became an accredited National Suicide Prevention Lifeline call center in March of 2021 and has answered thousands of local calls to the Lifeline since then. Our toll-free 24-Hour Helpline, 1.800.928.8000 has served the community since 1992 with New Vista staff members answering more than 70,000 calls annually.
“New Vista is excited to continue the work we’ve been doing to serve Central Kentuckians,” said Darcy Miller, New Vista Regional Director of Emergency Response and Client Engagement. “While this is not a new service, the shortening of the Lifeline number to three digits will bring more awareness and access to those in crisis.”
“We know it will take time for the full vision of 988 to be realized,” she said, “but we are encouraged to see the national recognition of the vital role mental healthcare plays in helping individuals to lead fulfilling, happy lives.”
New Vista is in the process of creating a volunteer program to help meet the needs of those calling 988 with the goal of having the first volunteer training begin this fall. If you would like to volunteer to answer calls to the Lifeline and serve your community, call New Vista’s 24-Hour Helpline, 1.800.928.8000.
More information about 988 can be found through the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration.
AboutNewVista
New Vista is the nonprofit Community Mental Health Center, with regional offices located in Lexington, serving 25,000 Kentuckians in 17 central Kentucky counties. New Vista provides services in mental health, substance use and intellectual and developmental disabilities. The mission of New Vista is to assist individuals and families in the enhancement of their emotional, mental and physical well-being, particularly those who have limited options for meeting their behavioral health needs. For more information, visit www.newvista.org.
Media Contact: Katie Ghiardi, PR Coordinator, cell 859.475.7028 [email protected]
