BLUEFIELD, W.Va. – While the holidays are usually joyful for most, they can be a time of hardship for some. That’s why the Bluefield, West Virginia Police Department is promoting the hotline 988.
Previously known as the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, 988 offers more than just help for those with suicidal thoughts.
It provides 24/7 access to trained crisis counselors via call, text, and chat, assisting people experiencing mental health crises or any emotional distress.
People can also reach out if they are concerned about a loved one in need of crisis support.
Lieutenant Kenneth Adams of the Bluefield Police Department talked about the importance of having someone listen to your struggles and concerns.
“A lot of people, especially this time of the year with the financial hardships and everything, the memories, thinking about things that they’ve lost over the years, people that have went away and aren’t there anymore, just have those issues. But the ones that worry us the most are the ones we don’t get the calls on. So that’s why we’re promoting it.” Adams said. “We just want people to know it’s out there. It’s just one call away to try to maybe brighten your life a little bit and get some help with everything that’s going on.”
Though the Bluefield Police Department recently implemented the hotline, the West Virginia Department of Health and Human Resources Bureau for Behavioral Health reports that the hotline went live back in 2022.
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