August 9, 2023

Last July, the new 988 mental health crisis line launched, and the response has been strong. The crisis line logged 5 million calls, texts and chats in its first year, an increase of 35% from previous years when a call for help still required dialing 10 digits.

However, the new 988 system has drawn some criticism. Many states are struggling to find enough people trained to respond to requests for help amid questions about phone counselors' cultural competence. Concerns persist about whether a call could result in a distressed person being involuntarily committed to a psychiatric hospital ward or being put at risk of trauma or tragedy if armed police get involved.

Next week on Aug. 17, AHCJ will host a webinar that explores the 988 “report card” and spark ideas for stories. Our mental and behavioral Health Beat leader Katti Gray will talk with a behavioral health policy researcher and a population health management strategist.

Join us!

Upcoming deadline: Rural Health Journalism Workshop registration closes on Friday

Workshop registration closes this Friday, Aug. 11. Secure your spot and join us in Kansas City on Aug. 24!

Registration (includes lunch):

  • Members: $25
  • Non-members: $35
  • Non-members + a six-month AHCJ membership: $60
  • PR/PIO: $80

Scholarships are available to offset attendance costs for Kansas and Missouri-based journalists who need help with with mileage, registration and accommodation. Apply here.
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What We're Reading

Family of Henrietta Lacks settles With biotech company that used her cells (Amanda Holpuch for The New York Times)

Doctors have their own diagnosis: 'Moral distress' from an inhumane health system (Lisa Doggett for NPR)

AI improves breast cancer detection rate by 20 percent (Ashleigh Furlong for POLITICO)

Marijuana addiction is real. Those struggling often face skepticism. (David Ovalle and Fenit Nirappil for The Washington Post)

The first pill to treat postpartum depression has been approved by U.S. health officials (Matthew Perrone for AP News)

Upcoming Events

August 17: AHCJ Webinar — 1 year later: Assessing the 988 mental health hotline, Virtual. The national 988 mental health crisis line was launched in July 2022 as an easier-to-remember alternative to the previous 10-digit hotline. From the start, there have been questions about how well the hotline would function. Panelists will address those questions and related aspects of this topic. Register here.

August 24: The 5 Most Urgent Conversations About Rural Health, An AHCJ Workshop, Kansas City, Mo. Registration is open until Aug. 11. Scholarships are available for Kansas- and Missouri-based journalists to assist with mileage, registration and one hotel night. Apply here.

Career Development / Sponsored Content

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