www . AmericanSecurityToday . com 2022 CHAMPIONS - Edition 66
and ensure proper care for those experiencing mental health emergencies . Continuing along this path is paramount if we are to transform our mental health care system and meet our com- munities ’ needs going forward .
The launch of 988 was long over- due . The National Association of Mental Illness ( NAMI ) reports that one in five U . S . adults will experience a mental health ill- ness at some point , and that one in 20 people will experience a serious mental illness .
Given the prevalence of mental health challenges in the U . S ., it has become abundantly clear that we need a more compre- hensive and standardized solu- tion .
How does the 988 hotline work ?
988 has a number of differences from its “ cousin ,” 911 . While of- fering 24 / 7 availability to any- one experiencing or witnessing a mental health emergency is like 911 ’ s 24 / 7 staffing , that is where many of the similarities end .
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