

988: An Alternative To 911 For Mental Health
Aug 29, 2022
Rhitu Chatterjee, an NPR health correspondent, joins the discussion to delve into the groundbreaking 988 mental health hotline. They explore how this service provides a vital alternative for those in crisis, moving away from traditional 911 dispatches. Chatterjee sheds light on harrowing stories like that of Miles Hall, illustrating the intersection of mental health and racial injustice. The conversation emphasizes the need for trained professionals in crisis response and the varying effectiveness of services across different states.
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988 Hotline
- 988 is a new 3-digit hotline for mental health emergencies, similar to 911.
- It aims to connect people to appropriate mental health care more easily.
Miles Hall Tragedy
- Miles Hall, diagnosed with schizoaffective disorder, was tragically killed by police during a mental health crisis.
- Despite his family informing police about his condition, the interaction ended fatally.
Successful Mobile Crisis Intervention
- Angela Kimball's son, experiencing a manic episode, was respectfully approached by a mobile crisis team.
- He willingly went with them to receive immediate treatment.