09/20/2023
Fire? Suicidal? Need help? Who to call
We teach our children at an early age to dial 911 if there is an emergency need for police, fire, or a medic. It is the “Universal Emergency Number” available to 96 percent of the geographic United States at this time. Prior to this single number, there were different numbers for each type of emergency. Looking up the specific number led to wasted time in help getting to the caller.
With 911, someone is always at the call center to answer the call, assess the need, and send the appropriate help to the caller.
But what if someone is having a mental health crisis and the person is not breaking any laws? The police are not highly trained in mental health emergencies; the fire department is not needed. No one is injured. The 911 responders are not thoroughly trained in mental health response techniques. Who does one call?
A new number for the National Su***de Prevention Lifeline, 988, was launched just over a year ago. In an article in the Indianapolis Star on July 25, 2022, Dr. Daniel Rusyniak, secretary of the Indiana Family and Social Services Administration, stated, “By making this an easy, three-digit number, more individuals will reach out for help when they need it.” Although the National Su***de Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255 remains available, the 988 number is an easy, three-digit number to use when requesting support and care for people going through a mental health-related distress or for people who are concerned about a love one.
Readers, be aware that a grant obtained by 4C Health, enables this mental health group to have a mental health crisis, mobile, response team that will arrive within thirty minutes of being called within Tipton County. This team will assess the situation and notify the counselor or the behavioral health organization serving the person having the crisis. If this person does not have any organization, the response team will reach out to the 4C Health personnel to assist the person.
The two behavioral health groups serving Tipton County, 4C Health and Community Behavioral Health, have been working together and planning this Tipton County Cares Summit to share information about understanding the tools to keep us mentally healthy.
The schedule includes Kara Biro, from the Indiana Department of Mental Health Association, who will speak about Indiana 988. A representative of the 4C Health will explain about its Mobile Crisis Team.
Next Tara Morse from the Indiana Family Social Service Association will explain Indiana 211 and the Tipton County Family Resource Center representative will share what if offers Tipton County families.
Then a panel of local leaders will discuss the current state of mental health and substance misuse in Tipton County.
Registration is required for this free informational meeting at the Tipton County Foundation at 1020 W. Jefferson Street, Tipton, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Thursday, September 28. A free lunch will be provided. The website address for registration is hhtps://www.eventbrite.com/e/tipton-county-cares-tools-to-keep-us-healthy-tickets-680935956477?aff=oddtdtcreator.
All interested folks are invited to attend this event sponsored by members of the Tipton Community Care Coalition. Questions can be addressed to Bill Gossard at (317) 877-0333.
