As the annual 988 Day approaches, the spotlight shines on the critical role of the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline and its expansion to include American Sign Language (ASL) support. On September 8, 2025, the REAL Crisis Center in Greenville will host a commemorative event celebrating the second anniversary of the ASL service addition to this vital nationwide resource.
The 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline is a pivotal network consisting of over 200 state and local call centers. This network offers essential counseling services for individuals experiencing suicide, mental health, and substance use crises. It also provides specialized support for at-risk groups such as veterans and youth, including access to Spanish-language counselors.
Significantly, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Service Administration (SAMHSA) of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) introduced a direct video calling feature for ASL users on September 8, 2023. This innovation ensures that individuals fluent in ASL can receive immediate assistance, with sign language interpreters available at the upcoming event.
Event Details
What: 988 Day and Second Anniversary of ASL Service for 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline
Who:
- Kelly Crosbie, Director of the Division of Mental Health, Developmental Disabilities, and Substance Use Services, NCDHHS
- Dara Baril, Deaf and Hard of Hearing Program Lead, Division of Mental Health, Developmental Disabilities and Substance Use Services, NCDHHS
- Tracy Kennedy, Executive Director, REAL Crisis Center
- Deylanis Henderson, Sharing her personal experiences with mental health care
- Jennifer Freeman, Coastal NC Regional Manager, NC Department of Military and Veterans Affairs
- Keith Kuhn, Veterans Service Officer for Greenville District Offices
When: September 8, 2025, from 10:30 to 11 a.m.
Where: REAL Crisis Center, 1310 East Arlington Blvd., Greenville, NC 27858
Media: Credentialed media are requested to RSVP by emailing news@dhhs.nc.gov.
Read More Here
