988 aims to expand mental health crisis response
By Susan M . Collins-Smith , MSU Extension Service
RAYMOND — The rollout of the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline offers more hope to individuals dealing with mental-health-related distress . That population includes farmers and farm workers , who are among those most at risk for suicide and mental health distress .
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention , male agricultural workers have the fourth highest suicide rate among men in all industries .
“ Being at risk of losing the family farm or thinking you could lose it is a tremendous amount of stress ,” said David Buys , health specialist with the Mississippi State University Extension Service . “ There are legitimate reasons why people in agriculture are struggling : economics , weather , equipment issues , long hours and difficult work , among other challenges .”
A national poll by the American Farm Bureau Federation in 2019 confirmed that about two in five farmers and farm workers reported experiencing increased stress levels and more mental health challenges since 2014 .
Buys said the new 988 number is an important resource for all Mississippians , including farmers and farm workers who live and work in rural areas of the state . Many of those areas have limited access to mental health resources .
“ Mississippi leaders and advocates for public health and mental health have rallied around the new 988 suicide crisis line resource ,” Buys said . “ The new number makes it easier to remember how to get in touch with someone if you or someone you know or love is in crisis .”
The 988 lifeline is a nationwide network of 200 crisis call centers operated and funded locally . It functions through the hotline formerly known as the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline and aims to strengthen and transform crisis services across the nation .
“ Ideally , 988 will become as recognizable a resource for behavioral health and substance abuse crises as 911 is for medical crises ,” said Wendy Bailey , executive director of the Mississippi Department of Mental Health .
“ With time , we are hopeful 988 will reimagine the way crisis services are provided in the U . S . and in Mississippi , but we know this system transformation will not happen overnight ,” she said . “ We are grateful for everyone who is working to make the launch of 988 a success and look forward to the continuing work that we know is ahead of us .” How 988 Works Each call center is staffed by trained crisis counselors 24 hours a day , every day of the year . Anyone who is experiencing suicidal thoughts , substance use , mental health crisis or other type of emotional distress can call , text or chat with a counselor . Individuals who are concerned about a loved one or friend can also call the lifeline . Text and chat are also available .
Mississippi has two Lifeline call centers , which have one of the top 10 highest answer
68 • MERIDIAN LIFE