Phila.gov
By Nicole Leonard July 14, 2023
A year ago this week, the national suicide and crisis lifeline re-launched as 988 – a new three-digit number designed to be an easier way for people to call for help.
As Philadelphia’s behavioral health needs continue to remain high, city leaders say they’re building on the 988 rebrand and have several new projects that will expand access to mental health and crisis care over the next few years.
Dr. Jill Bowen, commissioner of the city Dept. of Behavioral Health and Intellectual disAbility Services, said it’s all part of a larger strategy to improve services across the city.
“It calls for a shift to a systemic approach, focused on easing trauma and doing everything we can not to add trauma for a person who is already in distress,” she said Friday at City Hall.