988 hotline in NC features ASL services, celebrates 2 years; now offers video calling

GREENVILLE, N.C. (WTVD) -- North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services is commemorating 988 day and the 2nd anniversary of ASL being offered throughout the nation.

988 Day is meant to raise awareness and highlight the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. It is a nationwide network of call centers that provides counseling for people looking for help with suicide, mental health and substance use-related crises.

Monday, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Service Administration (SAMHSA) of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) also launched a direct video calling feature to 988 for consumers fluent in American Sign Language (ASL).

The celebration was held at the Real Crisis Center in Greenville, which is the location of the state center for answering calls to the national 988 suicide and crisis lifeline.