News from LIFE

Living Independently for Everyone!

Mental Health and Crisis Care

Each year, the fewer hours of sunlight, stormy weather, isolation and the holiday season brings stress to many in our state, the nation and the world. Add to that a global pandemic, and many people become overwhelmed, depressed, anxious, and sometimes suicidal during the winter. 

The Regional Behavioral Health Board exists in each region of the state. They provide community outreach, events as well as specific services. Those with mental illness, substance use disorders or both which is called dual diagnosis or co-occurring disorders are covered.

The state legislature and Governor Otter initiated Crisis Centers (CC) throughout the state. These can be dispersed services throughout a community or a single stand alone center. Regardless of your location, you can call 877-897-9027 for 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days per year. Put the phone number in a convenient, ready to use location for when it’s needed.

The CC is a voluntary service for adults experiencing a behavioral health crisis. The service is free, warm and welcoming, where participants are treated with dignity and respect. The CC’s are staffed with licensed professionals who assess the situation, ensure safety, provide treatment and offer relief and resolution. Contact Joyce Lyons at jlyons@phd2.idaho.gov for more information.

Family and friends who see someone in distress with a mental illness and feel they would benefit from an intervention can call on their behalf to see how they can be served. Idaho’s Suicide Prevention Hotline for phone or text is 800-273-TALK. Keep this in an east to find location.

Medicaid Expansion, recently approved by the Idaho Legislature, now provides medical insurance to approximately 92,000 people. This coverage has a very positive impact for the many struggling in our state; they now have access to physical and behavioral health treatment. Let’s continue to be vigilant and protect these services to assist those less fortunate in our society.

LIFE, Inc. – Living Independently for Everyone!
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