COLUMBUS, Ohio — Franklin County Suicide Prevention Coalition Director Michelle Vargas says the new 988 suicide prevention and mental health crisis hotline could save lives.
- The director of Franklin County’s Suicide Prevention Coalition says the number is easy to access for someone in distress
- The current suicide prevention hotline was used more than two million times last year
- It could be up to 18 months before the 988 hotline is implemented
“I think that probably a lot of people, they know about it, and they know that when they need to use it, they'll go to the internet and kinda look it up, google it real quick and use it. But I think this is a game changer because people will actually be able to memorize it,” said Vargas.
In Ohio, the Department of Health says from 2007 to 2018, the number of suicide deaths increased by 45%.
The Franklin County rate of suicide in 2018 was 13 in 100,000 people.
And Vargas says she and her staff are constantly looking for new ways to help break the stigmas around mental illness.
“If somebody thinks that going to counseling is a weakness, I would like to challenge them and think about, how is that different than if you had a broken leg? If you had a broken leg you'd probably go to the doctor as soon as possible. And if you're struggling with mental illness, how is that any different?” said Vargas.
The current suicide prevention hotline was used more than 2 million times last year.
The FCC says there will be a period of public comments next and it could be up to 18 months before the 988 hotline is implemented.
Vargas says if approved, Ohio communities need to come together and be transparent.
“This is something that should be promoted through various mediums, billboards, bus ads, social media, all the mediums that will reach every population. Once organizations learn about this, they should be sharing this information with their employees and with their students," said Vargas.
