North Carolina Marks Two Years of ASL Service on National 988 Day
In a bid to highlight mental health resources, the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS) is celebrating the second anniversary of the American Sign Language (ASL) service on the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. This occasion coincides with National 988 Day, emphasizing the importance of accessible mental health support.
Since its inception in July 2022, the 988 Lifeline has been a beacon for individuals in mental health crises. The service offers free, judgment-free counseling 24/7. On September 8, 2023, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services expanded this initiative by introducing direct video calling for ASL users, further enhancing accessibility.
Over its initial 22 months, ending in July 2025, the 988 ASL videophone service fielded over 48,000 calls nationwide. The service is centralized through a national call center, preventing the availability of state-by-state data.
“Our department is committed to ensuring all North Carolinians have access to life-saving services, including the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline,” stated Dev Sangvai, Secretary of NC Health and Human Services. “By recognizing 988 Day, we acknowledge the challenges faced by people who are in crisis and celebrate the steps we are taking to make sure individuals, families and communities have access to the help they need.”
Tony Davis, Director of the NCDHHS Division of Services for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing, highlighted the significance of ASL services, saying, “Imagine struggling with your mental health and facing the additional barrier of not being able to effectively communicate with a crisis counselor.” The service, he noted, is a crucial step toward improving outcomes for those facing greater challenges.
988 Day not only raises awareness but also showcases the accomplishments of the 988 Lifeline, a network comprising over 200 call centers nationwide. It provides targeted support for various at-risk groups, including veterans and youth, and offers Spanish-language counseling.
In North Carolina, the 988 service is run by the REAL Crisis Center in Greenville (realcrisis.org), which provides crisis services at no charge. Between June 2024 and May 2025, the center averaged over 11,500 monthly contacts through calls, texts, or chats.
May 2025 saw over 13,300 contacts, including nearly 3,000 from veterans and over 200 from Spanish-speaking individuals. A survey found that one in three North Carolina callers to 988 reported that the service saved a life.
NCDHHS maintains a dashboard with comprehensive usage stats, showcasing North Carolina as a leader in implementing the 988 service.
Kelly Crosbie, Director of the NCDHHS Division of Mental Health, Developmental Disabilities, and Substance Use Services, commented on the service’s effectiveness, noting that nearly half of the contacts are repeat users, indicating satisfaction with prior assistance. “When dealing with mental health issues, sometimes taking that first step is the most difficult,” she said. “The 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline offers access to trained counselors twenty-four hours a day and allows people to get the help they need when and where they are most comfortable. 988 is one part of a continuum of care and the Department’s effort to build a mental health care system that works for everyone.”
September also marks National Recovery Month and National Suicide Prevention Week, with Governor Josh Stein recognizing September 7-13 as National Suicide Prevention Week. This comes as a response to suicide being the second-leading cause of death for those aged 10-40 in the state. The month celebrates treatment and recovery practices and honors service providers and communities supporting recovery.
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If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health, resources are available at the NCDHHS Suicide Prevention website. The site provides support for social or family situations, depression, anxiety, panic attacks, and more. Additionally, the Crisis Services Communications Toolkit offers free materials to promote crisis services in English and Spanish.
- For those in crisis, NCDHHS provides free, confidential help through the 988 Lifeline Chat and Text, available 24/7 by call, text, or chat.
- Deaf and Hard of Hearing individuals can dial 988 on videophone or visit the website to connect with an ASL-fluent counselor. Text and live chat options are also available.
- North Carolinians can contact the Peer Warmline (1-855-PEERS NC [855-733-7762]) at any time to speak with a Peer Support Specialist for shared life experiences and support.
- Mobile crisis teams and community crisis centers are part of the NCDHHS crisis services, offering safe, licensed clinician support without emergency room visits.
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