Suicide prevention line gives Kentuckians immediate help

LEXINGTON, Ky. (WKYT) - September is Suicide Prevention Month. Kentuckians seeking help have options, including New Vista's 24-hour helpline.

Their 988 Coordinator, Madalyn Schiller, says it's important to have open conversations about suicide.

"So many people who are suffering, they suffer in silence. They don't feel that they can even tell their closest loved ones what they're going through and feel that they'll really be understood," Schiller said.

New Vista says their lifeline has received more than 700 calls just in the last month. They say this number is growing as months go on and as more people find out about 988.

"Having a link to these resources at a time when you don't know where else to go, there's a single phone number, just a three-digit number you have to call," Schiller says.

Volunteers who answer these crisis calls undergo more than 50 hours of training so they are prepared to connect with someone who needs help.

"A lot of people don't have the opportunity or know how to get help until things really get to the end of the line. And someone needs to be at the end of the line to help them," Schiller says.

If you or anyone you know is having a mental health crisis, they can call 988 or 1-800-928-8000 to be connected to someone immediately.

Throughout the week, New Vista offers crisis walk-in services, where anyone can come to their office and talk to a therapist Monday through Friday from 8-5 p.m.