The New Mexico Human Services Department’s (HSD) Behavioral Health Services Division (BHSD) has worked to ensure that Native Americans in New Mexico are aware that the three-digit 988 crisis support line will be available to them. Outreach efforts have been made to the state’s respective Tribes, Pueblos, and three Nations. The 988 crisis support line is a new, free, and easy-to-remember helpline for emotional, mental, or substance use crises. The crisis support line is for people in distress to have someone to call, someone to come, and somewhere to go. New Mexicans can use 988 by calling, texting, or chatting as of July 16, 2022. New Mexico is home to 23 Tribes, Nations, and Pueblos that include 19 Pueblos, the Navajo Nation, Mescalero Apache Nation, Jicarilla Apache Nation, and Fort Sill Apache Tribe. Additionally, Albuquerque, Santa Fe, Gallup, Grants, Farmington, Las Cruces, and other New Mexico towns and cities are home to many tribal relatives that are representative of New Mexico tribes and tribes throughout the country. Overall, the Native American population for the state is nearly 11%. Therefore, the HSD considers it very important to reach out to New Mexico’s Native American population for the 988 crisis support line efforts. Outreach to tribal leaders, tribal service providers, and tribal consumers has been conducted statewide. The 988 outreach effort includes working with New Mexico Navajo Chapters and service providers to distribute postcards, flyers, and yard signs. Efforts have been made in person and in virtual meetings by staffing tables at community events and reaching out to tribal youth programs, programs serving the LGBTQIA+ community, and cities with large tribal populations. Billboards and radio ads, as well as a strong social media presence, are also part of the outreach efforts. All 988 calls, texts, and chats are answered by trained behavioral health professionals who know community mental health and substance use resources. They will listen, offer support, and work with the person to develop a plan for safety and recovery. People will be able to call, text, or chat 988, the 24/7 crisis support line for help. 988 will improve access for all New Mexicans who may be in emotional, mental health, or substance use distress and provide easier access to local mental and behavioral health resources and services, which are different from 911. People who call 988 are given three options: ● Choose option 1 to connect with the veterans’ crisis line. ● Choose option 2 to connect with the Spanish subnetwork. ● Choose option 3 to remain on the line and be connected to a local crisis center. The crisis support line will be connected to crisis centers equipped to respond to text messages for those who choose to text the word “TALK” to 988 instead of calling. Chat will also be available through the Lifeline’s website: www.988lifeline.org/chat. Please call, text, or message 988 if you are: ● Feeling sad, confused or angry • Worried about your safety or someone you know • Worried about alcohol or drug misuse • Need information or referrals for local community services • Just need someone to talk to New 988 crisis support line Human Services Department reaches out to tribal communities Formore information, visit www.988nm.org and follow 988 NMCrisis Support on Facebook and on Instagram @988nmcrisissupport. 988
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