Surge in Calls to 988 Mental Health Helpline!

Published on January 10, 2023

As calls to the newly launched national 988 mental health helpline rise, crisis operators like Jamieson Brill are adapting their approach to best support callers. Brill, who has personal experience with Spanish-speaking communities, understands the importance of cultural sensitivity when discussing sensitive topics like suicide. Instead of directly using the word ‘suicide’ in conversations, he opts for alternative language to establish trust and provide comfort. Similar to how instructors use simpler terms or metaphors to explain complex scientific concepts to their students, Brill finds ways to convey his message effectively without overwhelming callers. This growing trend highlights the need for accessible and inclusive mental health resources that cater to diverse populations. It also emphasizes the significance of training crisis operators in cultural competency to ensure effective communication and support for all individuals seeking help. To learn more about the impact of the national 988 mental health helpline and how it is revolutionizing access to mental health services, check out the full article!

When Jamieson Brill answers a crisis call from a Spanish speaker on the newly launched national 988 mental health helpline, he rarely mentions the word suicide, or “suicidio.” Brill, whose family hails from Puerto Rico, knows that just discussing the term in some…

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