988 Suicide and Crisis Hotline celebrates 2 years of service

(WTRF) — It is a service that has saved many lives and helped thousands of people throughout the Mountain State.

First Choice Services is celebrating two full years of its 988 Suicide and Crisis Hotline today.

A spokesperson for First Choice Services says over the past two years they have seen 3 times the amount of calls than what they predicted when the hotline started.

The 988 hotline allows people to call text or chat anonymously when dealing with any kind of mental health issues or daily challenges.

The Director of Marketing and Communications for First Choice Services shares what their team hears on a daily basis.

”A lot of times people are calling not because they’re actively suicidal, but because they’re in crisis or they’re anxious, they need someone to talk to. A lot of times they’re having relationship problems. Sometimes they’re having issues that they just don’t feel that they have any friends or family around who will listen to them in a non-judgmental manner.”

Sheila Moran – Director of Marketing and Communications, First Choice Services

Moran says they would love to see more crisis intervention teams created throughout the state of West Virginia.

If you or anyone you know is dealing with mental health issues don’t hesitate to call or text the 988 hotline for immediate help.

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