Earlier this year I spent some time volunteering with the United Way’s NEFL 988 Suicide Hotline department as a storyteller.

Prior to my involvement with the team, I had not heard of the 988 national Suicide Hotline Program and apparently based on my discussions with others it seems like a lot of other people hadn’t either. It’s a shame as the work that is done by those who work within the program is a vital and much needed resource.

After listening to the stories told by the 988 hotline call center specialists during our weekly observation meetings, taking the necessary online certification courses, attending the Zero Suicide Jax Summit which was attended by the 988 staff as well as leaders of the various organizations who dedicate themselves to serve those in crisis, I came to realize just how vital and successful the program is.

I also came to realize just how dedicated, professional and caring the call center specialists, as well as those who lead them, are and how they are always looking to improve on the quality of their work as well as the outcomes of those calls.

And yes, they stay quite busy. Based on the ever-growing need as people struggle with all of the challenges of the day be it, substance abuse, abuse in general, loss of home, income, jobs, benefits, gambling addiction, mental health disorders, loss of loved ones, or simply due to the struggles of life, each month the number of calls continues to increase. Despite that increase the call center professionals do everything within their power to make sure no call goes unanswered.

What has been quite surprising and concerning to me is how many people in the medical/health industry as well as the population in general don’t know about the program. hopefully that will change as if those organizations make it part of their training. After all, they are often the front line of defense with the people who come to them for help.

So please pass the word and if you or someone you know, or love, needs help I know you and them will be in good hands if you call the 988 Suicide Hotline no matter where you might live.

With thoughts and prayers, respectfully submitted, Paul Hayden