91°µÍø

It’s commonly thought that suicide rates increase over the winter holidays, but that’s not the case. Still, the lead suicide prevention coordinator with the New Mexico Department of Health says it’s never the wrong time of year to talk about suicide and practice prevention.

The 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline was created last July for people who are experiencing a mental health crisis to be connected to a mental health provider. Now, the New Mexico Human Services Department has added an extension for LGBTQ people that will connect them with a specially trained mental health peer expert.

People experiencing a mental health crisis in the U.S. now have a new number to dial: 988. Like 911, a caller can dial the three digits from anywhere in the country to be connected to services. But unlike 911, callers who key in 988 will be connected directly to a trained mental health provider. Wendy Linebrink-Allison, program manager of the New Mexico Crisis and Access Line, spoke with 91°µÍø about how the new number works for New Mexicans. She says when a person dials 988, they’re connected to the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline.