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What You Need to Know About California’s New 988 Suicide and Mental Health Crisis Line

BLACK VOICE NEWS — Le Ondra Clark-Harvey, Executive Director of the California Council of Community Behavioral Health Agencies, explained that call centers have 98% effectiveness in “ameliorating the concerns that so many Californians have.” “For that other 2 to 3%, they are then transferred to the next level of help. So whether that be outpatient treatment, hospitalization, maybe most mobile crises, if a county has a mobile crisis unit, etc,” Clark-Harvey said.

Published

4 years ago

August 23, 2022

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By Breanna Reeves | Black Voice News

On July 16, California debuted the new suicide and crisis hotline number: 988. The short, three-digit federal number is now active across the nation and is an alternative to calling 911 for people experiencing mental health crises.

Recently, 988 has drawn criticism across social media because of the possibility dialing the number could elicit a police response. According to a spokesperson from the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline number, fewer than 2% of Lifeline calls involve emergency services.

The short, three-digit federal number 988 is now active across the nation and is an alternative to calling 911 for people experiencing mental health crises. (Image: Breanna Reeves).

Involvement of emergency services

“When emergency services are involved, over half of these emergency dispatches occur with the caller’s consent. We recognize that, for some individuals, having contact with emergency services can be traumatic and dangerous, and whenever possible we recommend alternate options such as collaborating on a safety plan, utilizing mobile crisis teams, collaborating with the individual’s loved ones or professionals,” Lifeline stated in an email.

Le Ondra Clark-Harvey, Executive Director of the California Council of Community Behavioral Health Agencies, explained that call centers have 98% effectiveness in “ameliorating the concerns that so many Californians have.”

“For that other 2 to 3%, they are then transferred to the next level of help. So whether that be outpatient treatment, hospitalization, maybe most mobile crises, if a county has a mobile crisis unit, etc,” Clark-Harvey said.

When 911 is called in the event of someone having a mental health crisis many local police departments have implemented their own crisis teams that are deployed. In Riverside for example, a Community Behavioral Health Assessment Team (CBAT) that consists of two specialty trained police officers and two Riverside County clinical therapists are tasked with responding to calls involving mental health emergencies.

According to Officer Ryan J. Railsback, Public Information Officer for the Riverside Police Department, about 50% of the calls for service that are answered by the department are for mental health emergencies. With trained dispatchers who are trained to recognize the calls, the CBAT addresses the crisis in the field.

“The clinical therapist does a lot of the work. We have the officer there to provide that safe environment for the therapist and for the person that we’re responding to, as well to make sure that they’re feeling safe enough that they can talk with someone,” explained Railsback.

Clark-Harvey emphasized that the importance of 988 is to directly connect people in crisis with crisis counselors who are equipped to support callers in need. She described the new number as a “huge advent in technology.”

Before 988, people were able to call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (1-800-273-8255) which Clark-Harvey stated that as a clinician and a psychologist, even she has a tough time remembering the number. The previous number will continue to function indefinitely, according to Lifeline.

“And the great thing is that 988 has been advertised and promoted widely. So, our hope is that there’s going to be less stigma about reaching out when you have a need, or when you’re in crisis,” Clark-Harvey explained. People experiencing a crisis or who need support can call or send a text to 988 and get connected with an operator.

More work to be done

While the 988 number has been applauded by advocates, some remain cautious about future implementation and capacity. Assembly Bill 988, currently going through the CA Legislature, seeks to allocate $8 million from the General Fund to the 988 State Mental Health and Crisis Services Special Fund to support implementation costs.

Omar Gonzalez-Valentino, MS, LMFT, LPCC, is the director of Behavioral Health at TruEvolution, an Inland Empire-based nonprofit organization that advocates for health equity and racial justice on behalf of Black, Latinx and LGBTQ+ people. (source: facebook.com).

“I’m really, really optimistic about this number, but cautiously, because a lot of what the bill actually states is that these numbers have to be made available by July 16. Great, July 16, has come and gone,” Gonzalez-Valentino explained. “But a lot of the infrastructure that supports this number is not set, or at least not mandated to be in place until [later].”

According to AB 988, “The bill would require, no later than July 1, 2024, the office to ensure interoperability between and across crisis and emergency response systems used throughout the state, as described. The bill would require the office to consult with specified entities on any technology requirements for 988 centers.”

Gonzalez-Valentino is worried that some counties will be more proactive than others or will have more funding to roll out a comprehensive implementation plan for 988 crisis centers than underfunded counties who may be slower to implement such changes.

“So in terms of infrastructure, I just worry that folks aren’t going to get necessarily the same response based on their geographic location, which has been an issue for a lot of folks in poor or rural counties already,” Gonzalez-Valentino said. “They traditionally don’t have access to the best levels of care or the most immediate levels of care.”

Other local nonprofit organizations like Operation SafeHouse, which supports youth in crisis, are supportive of the new 988 number, but a clinician at the organization plans to test the hotline to get a better sense of the response time.

There is concern that some people will not necessarily receive the same response based on their geographic location. This has already been an issue for some in poor or rural counties. (source: samsha.gov).

Norma Biegel, Western Riverside Region Manager at Operation SafeHouse, explained that the organization operates a text message application for youth in crisis, but the application is only operational from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. seven days a week. For the eight hours a clinician at the organization is unable to respond to a text message, youth in crisis will benefit from the 988 text feature.

“I think it can only benefit everyone as long as they truly have enough people to man the lines, text, however it’s working,” Biegel said. “I think it’s a great feature. I think it’s definitely needed, especially during COVID.”

Limited capacity for text support

When someone sends a text message to 988, a group of Lifeline crisis centers respond. Texting is currently only available in English. According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, this service is expected to expand over the next few years to “local and state level response.”

In 2020, during the first year of the pandemic, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported that 45,979 people died by suicide in the U.S. — one death every 11 minutes. Among this population, non-Hispanic American Indian and Alaska Natives had the highest rate, 23.9 per 100,000 people.

“Mental health challenges do not consider any other factors. People are having a hard time, regardless of their gender, their age or their race, their sexuality, folks are struggling right now,” Gonzalez-Valentino stated. “We are not even really out of this pandemic. We like to think we are, but we’re still reminded of it every day. So, make sure that you don’t try to just go it alone. If you’re having a tough time, please make sure that you reach out and utilize the tools that are in place.”

The post What You Need to Know About California’s New 988 Suicide and Mental Health Crisis Line appeared first on Black Voice News.

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Poll Shows Support for Policies That Help Families Afford Child Care

BLACKPRESSUSA NEWSWIRE — New national polling shows persistent voter concern about the affordability and availability of child care for working parents, alongside broad support across key demographic groups for federal child care policies that help families afford care.

Published

1 day ago

March 2, 2026

Oakland Post

By First Five Years Fund

New national polling shows persistent voter concern about the affordability and availability of child care for working parents, alongside broad support across key demographic groups for federal child care policies that help families afford care.

The national survey was conducted by UpOne Insight on behalf of the First Five Years Fund from January 13–18, 2026.

Key findings include:

• Parents need help: 80% of voters say the ability of working parents to find and afford child care is either in a state of crisis or a major problem.

• This is an affordability issue: 82% believe federal child care funding will help lower costs for working families — including 69% of Republicans, 84% of Independents, and 94% of Democrats.

• And there continues to be strong support (62%) for the Child Care and Development Block Grant (CCDBG), a federal program that makes it possible for hundreds of thousands of families to afford safe, quality care for their children while parents work or go to school, including a majority of Republicans, 63% of Independents and 72% of Democrats.

• Support for funding child care programs remains strong: 75% believe child care funding should be increased or kept at current levels — including 75% of Republicans, 85% of Independents, and 97% of Democrats.

• 74% say funding for child care is an important and good use of tax dollars, including a majority of Republicans, three-quarters of Independents, and nine in ten Democrats.

FFYF Executive Director Sarah Rittling said, “Voters across the country are sending a clear message: federal child care and early learning programs work. These investments help parents stay in the workforce, strengthen families, and support healthy child development. They have also long had strong bipartisan support in Congress. At a time when affordability is top of mind for families, continued federal funding is essential to ensure child care remains accessible and within reach.”

First Five Years Fund works to protect, prioritize, and build bipartisan support for quality child care and early learning programs at the federal level. Reliable, affordable, and high-quality early learning and child care can be transformative, not only enhancing a child’s prospects for a brighter future but also bolstering working parents and fostering economic stability nationwide.

We work with Congress and the Administration to identify federal solutions that work for families with young children, as well as states and communities. We work with policymakers to identify ways to increase access to affordable, high-quality child care and early learning programs for children. And we collaborate with advocacy groups to help align best practices with the best possible policies. http://www.ffyf.org

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Trump’s MAGA Allies are Creating Executive Order Plan to Steal the 2026 Midterms

NNPA NEWSWIRE — The document that could lead to an executive order proposes using the claim that China interfered with the 2020 elections as grounds to “declare a national emergency.” The move would be an unprecedented step that would grant Trump new authority over the voting systems in the U.S.

Published

4 days ago

February 27, 2026

Oakland Post

By Lauren Victoria Burke, NNPA Newswire Correspondent

A group of MAGA pro-Trump activists, who say they are working in coordination with the White House, are circulating a 17-page draft executive order that would claim without evidence that China interfered with the 2020 presidential election. Donald Trump lost the 2020 presidential to President Joe Biden by over 7 million votes. Since Trump lost to Biden in 2020, he has repeatedly claimed that the election was “stolen” without evidence. The report of a group of “Trump allies” preparing an executive order to give Trump power over elections was first reported by The Washington Post.

The lies around the right-wing campaign that pushed falsehoods that the 2020 election was stolen was trafficked through right-wing media, particularly Fox News. Fox News was then sued for defamation for the claims by Dominion Voting Systems. Fox lost the case and had to settle for the largest defamation amount on record of $787.5 million in April 2023.

The document that could lead to an executive order proposes using the claim that China interfered with the 2020 elections as grounds to “declare a national emergency.” The move would be an unprecedented step that would grant Trump new authority over the voting systems in the U.S.

The story in The Washington Post arrives as Trump increasingly signals that he may take actions that would alter the result of the 2026 midterms. The Republicans are widely expected to lose as their approval ratings plummet as a result of a failing economy under Trump. Over 50 members of Congress have announced they will retire this year and not return in 2027.

The Trump Department of Justice, which now has a large image of Trump on the side of it, “sued five new states Thursday [Feb. 26, 2026] demanding access to their unredacted voter rolls — escalating a campaign that has been rejected by multiple federal courts and faces resistance from Republican-led states as well,” according to Democracy Docket, a group that works to protect voting rights.

Trump claimed back in late 2020, the last year of his first term, that he had the authority to issue an executive order related to mail-in voting for the 2020 elections — which he would then lose. But the Constitution states that control of elections lies with the states. As the GOP works to place hurdles in front of voting, Democrats worked to make voting easier.

In March 2021, President Biden signed an executive order calling on federal agencies to expand voting access as part of the Biden Administration’s effort “to promote and defend the right to vote for all Americans who are legally entitled to participate in elections.”

Trump’s focus is clearly on altering the November 2026 midterm elections. Trump’s polling numbers and the elections and special elections that have taken place around the U.S. over the last year clearly indicate that Republicans are about to be hit by a blue wave of Democratic victories.

Lauren Victoria Burke is an independent investigative journalist and the founder of Black Virginia News. She is a political analyst who appears on #RolandMartinUnfiltered and hosts the show LAUREN LIVE on YouTube @LaurenVictoriaBurke. She can be contacted at LBurke007@gmail.com and on twitter at @LVBurke

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PRESS ROOM: NBA Hall of Fame Nominee Terry Cummings Joins 100 Black Men of DeKalb County to Launch Victory & Values Initiative

NNPA NEWSWIRE — NBA Hall of Fame nominee and Basketball Legend Terry Cummings was administered the official member’s oath and ceremonially pinned during a special induction ceremony held on Friday, February 20th.

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4 days ago

February 27, 2026

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Cummings becomes an honorary member, joining other role model sports stars

NBA Hall of Fame nominee and Basketball Legend Terry Cummings has officially become an honorary member of the 100 Black Men of DeKalb County, marking a powerful new chapter for the 100 Black Men and youth development across the region.

Cummings was administered the official member’s oath and ceremonially pinned during a special induction ceremony held on Friday, February 20th. The moment signified more than membership — it marked the launch of the organization’s transformative new platform, the Victory & Values Initiative.

The Victory & Values Initiative is a groundbreaking youth development program designed to empower elementary and middle school students through a dynamic blend of sports, mentorship, and STEM exposure. The initiative focuses on building health, discipline, character, leadership, and access to opportunity — creating pathways for long-term academic and personal success.

“This is about more than sports,” said Cummings during the ceremony. “It’s about using the platform of athletics to teach life lessons, create access, and build the next generation of leaders.”

The induction ceremony also featured notable guests including NASCAR’s newest Star Driver, Lavar Scott and NASCAR Director of Athletic Performance, Phil Horton, who joined Cummings for a powerful Victory & Values Town Hall discussion. The Town Hall was moderated by renowned Sports Emcee John Hollins and focused on leadership, resilience, discipline, and the importance of mentorship in shaping young lives.

A “Day at NASCAR” for 75+ Youth

Cummings wasted no time getting to work. On his first full day as an honorary member, he joined his new brothers of the 100 Black Men of DeKalb County to host a “Day at NASCAR,” escorting more than 75 youth to a once-in-a-lifetime experience at EchoPark Motor Speedway (formerly Atlanta Motor Speedway).

The youth participants received behind-the-scenes access including: an exclusive tour of Pit Row, access to the Garage Area and exploration of the interactive Fan Zone.

The experience culminated with a surprise meet-and-greet and Q&A session with NASCAR Superstar Bubba Wallace, who shared insights on perseverance, preparation, and breaking barriers in professional sports.

The day served as a living example of the ‘Victory & Values’ Initiative in action — exposing youth to new industries, expanding their vision for the future, and connecting them directly with high- level mentors and role models.

Building Leaders Through Access and Mentorship

The 100 Black Men of DeKalb County – a chapter of the largest, national mentoring organization in the county – continues to expand its footprint with programs focused on academic excellence, economic empowerment, leadership development, and health & wellness.

The launch of ‘Victory & Values’ represents a strategic expansion of the organization’s impact

intentionally integrating athletics and STEM to engage youth at an early age while reinforcing core principles such as integrity, accountability, teamwork, and perseverance.

“Our mission has always been to mentor the next generation,” said Vaughn Irons, President-Elect of the 100 Black Men of DeKalb County. “With Terry Cummings joining the brotherhood, along with partners in NASCAR and professional sports, we are creating unprecedented access and exposure for our youth. Victory & Values is about turning inspiration into structured opportunity.”

By connecting elementary and middle school students to professional athletes, executives, STEM professionals, and community leaders, the initiative aims to:

Increase youth exposure to careers in sports business, engineering, and performance science
Strengthen mentorship pipelines
Promote physical wellness and mental resilience
Build character-driven leadership at an early age

Open Invitation to Youth and Families

All youth are invited to participate in the Victory & Values Initiative, along with the other countless, impactful programs offered by the 100 Black Men of DeKalb County.

Parents and guardians seeking mentorship, leadership development, academic enrichment, and transformative exposure opportunities for their children are encouraged to connect with the organization.

As NBA Legend Terry Cummings’ induction demonstrates, Victory & Values is more than a program — it is a movement designed to build champions in life, not just in sports.

For more information about the Victory & Values Initiative or to enroll a student, contact: 100 Black Men of DeKalb County at Phone at 404.241.1338, info@100bmod.org or Tee Foxx at 404.791.6525,