She hopes the combination of the rapid response teams and the exchange in July will help. Onderwyzer said locally the hospital has not yet seen a decrease in the numbers of patients coming into the emergency department. The rapid response teams have been fielding a lot of calls already and this adds another layer of efficiency." "We have been waiting a long time for something like this. "It's fantastic, one central place for people in crisis to call," she said. Susan Onderwyzer, behavioral health manager for Great Bay Mental Health at Wentworth-Douglass Hospital, and a licensed social worker, said she thinks the new 988 exchange will be a game changer. So, this will allow a more discerning menu of options." Police sent on scene often do not know any other option, because that's not where their training lies. A hospital might not be what they need, but most of the time now that's where they are sent. "It might be that the person in crisis is directed to the hospital. 'It might trigger one of the mobile crisis vans to come to the location," said Walker. He said a person in crisis needs an easily remembered number, a simplified option to seek help. Walker said family members and friends of a person in crisis will be able to use 988 also, stressing again it's a number everyone can remember. More: People are not a disease: Why language on mental health, substance use matters It will lead to better health partnerships." This number can connect the person to the rapid crisis teams we have here in the state. "EMS, police are not always the most appropriate response to a mental health crisis. "It's a great initiative," said Justin Looser, HCA behavioral health administrative market director. I think the text aspect will be good for our younger people. They will be able to call, to chat and even to text with this one number. People will be able to get help on a whole spectrum of service needs, wherever they are. "It is easy to remember, three digits and it is a national hotline number. "As a clinician, and even as a community member, I have great hope for this as a tool," said Walker. How well will it work here in New Hampshire? More: 'These kids have a voice': 99 Faces mental health exhibit comes to DoverĪcross New Hampshire, in all 10 health regions, mobile crisis vans went online at the beginning of this year. Their goal is to respond to any mental health crisis and be better trained to deal with it and to provide assistance quickly. "The mobile teams have been here since January and I have been busy with those. "If all goes well, July 16 is the date for the new 988 exchange," said Dennis Walker, vice president of clinical operations for emergency services and intake at Seacoast Mental Health Center in Portsmouth.
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