New Hotline Aims to Curb Suicide Epidemic

<div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCXW50935388 BCX4"> <p><span data-contrast="auto">The three-digit number 988 is quickly becoming as much a part of our shared life as 911.</span> <a href= "https://988lifeline.org/"><span data-contrast="none">The 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline</span></a> <span data-contrast= "auto">is a national hotline that provides 24/7, free, and confidential mental health support to anyone in need.</span> <a href= "https://suicidepreventionmessaging.org/988messaging/research"><span data-contrast="none"> Within the first year, 5 million contacts were responded to</span></a><span data-contrast="auto">. The numbers are staggering, and the hotline continues to find high-risk populations, including indigenous people, people with disabilities, and rural men.</span><span data-ccp-props= "{"201341983":0,"335559731":720,"335559739":0,"335559740":480}"> </span></p> <p><span data-contrast="none">But this remains a culturewide problem.</span> <a href= "https://www.cdc.gov/suicide/suicide-data-statistics.html"><span data-contrast="none"> From 2021 to 2022, the suicide rate increased by 2.6%.</span></a> <span data-contrast="auto">Christians have a significant role to play in offering hope. Parents, teachers, pastors, and other mentors need to be equipped to spot vulnerable young people and to connect with them, ultimately pointing them to Jesus Christ, the source of all hope. The “</span><a href= "https://courses.colsoneducation.org/hopealways?__hstc=183792825.1c7f284864da6087815a78d2f78ae81e.1667840015108.1700514558046.1700662305729.495&__hssc=183792825.2.1700662305729&__hsfp=2406890234"><span data-contrast="none">Hope Always</span></a><span data-contrast="auto">” course featuring Dr. Matthew Sleeth is available online, can be accessed anytime, and can be studied alone or as part of a community committed to providing healing to hurting neighbors. </span><span data-ccp-props= "{"201341983":0,"335559731":720,"335559739":0,"335559740":480}"> </span></p> <p><span data-contrast="auto">Go to</span> <a href= "http