Credentialed media are invited to attend a ceremony on Sept. 8, 2025, commemorating 988 Day and the second anniversary of ASL being offered through the nationwide 988 service. The event will be held at the REAL Crisis Center in Greenville, which is the state center for answering calls to the national 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline.
988 Day serves to raise awareness and highlight the success of the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, a network of more than 200 state and local call centers nationwide. 988 provides counseling services for individuals who need help and support for anyone suffering from depression, anxiety or interpersonal/family issues or who just needs someone to talk to during a time of personal crisis.
On Sept. 8, 2023, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Service Administration (SAMSHA) of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) launched direct video calling feature to 988 for consumers fluent in American Sign Language (ASL). The event will include a demonstration of the ASL service as well as sign language interpreters.
WHAT: 988 Day and Second Anniversary of ASL Service for 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline
WHO: Kelly Crosbie, Director of the Division of Mental Health, Developmental Disabilities, and Substance Use Services, NCDHHS
Dara Baril, Deaf and Hard of Hearing Program Lead, Division of Mental Health, Developmental Disabilities and Substance Use Services , NCDHHS
Tracy Kennedy, Executive Director, REAL Crisis Center
Deylanis Henderson, Speaking on her lived experience with mental health care
WHEN: Sept. 8, 2025,
10:30 - 11 a.m.
WHERE: REAL Crisis Center
1310 East Arlington Blvd.
Greenville, NC 27858
MEDIA: Credentialed media should RSVP to news@dhhs.nc.gov.