The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services has launched a new statewide phone number for people struggling with mental health and substance abuse.
The new Peer Warmline works in conjunction with the North Carolina 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline and gives callers the option to speak with peer support professionals, people in recovery with mental illness, or people with substance use disorders To do.
Warmline is a free, confidential telephone service that provides non-emergency mental health support.
why is it important: According to the NCDHHS 988 Performance Dashboard, Warm Lines have also been shown to improve outcomes for people in crisis by reducing hospitalizations, emergency department visits, and recurrence of behavioral health symptoms. Masu.
The statewide warmline began Feb. 20 and will be operated by Promise Resource Network, a Mecklenburg County peer-run organization that won the contract through a competitive public bidding process.
“When you’re going through a difficult time, sometimes the best person to turn to is someone who has been through a similar experience,” North Carolina Health and Human Services Secretary Cody H. Kinsley said in a statement.
For assistance, call 1-855-PEERS NC, 855-733-7762, text 988, or chat at 988Lifeline.org.
Those who call 988 also have the option of connecting to a peer warmline if they wish to speak to a peer.
