988 campaign.

 

St. Joseph man proposes a bill that would allow a national hotline to operate like 911.

One St. Joseph man is finding ways to enhance a national resource.

Tracy Gillespie, a mental health and homeless advocate in St. Joseph encountered an issue when he was trying to use the 988 hotline for a personal mental health issue.

"I needed some help," said Gillespie. "My phone was deactivated because, you know, I was late on a bill, so I thought, well man, 988, you know, they can assist me."

Because Gillespie's phone was deactivated for a short while, 988 wasn't a resource he could utilize, however 911 was accessible.

From that point on, Gillespie realized he wanted to make the 988 hotline operate like 911.

"I just emailed all the senators, the legislators, the representatives, congressmen, the governor," said Gillespie. "All of them have responded with positive responses. You know, they had no idea that 988 did not operate like 911."

In an email between Gillespie and District 10 Representative, Bill Faulkner (R), Faulkner indicated interest in filing a bill that would allow the 988 hotline to operate like 911.

The email from Faulkner states, "Just wanted to let you know that I just met with our Research Department and we are looking at if the state can implement this as a state or do we need the Federal Government to act on this. If this is the case, we are looking at filing a bill that states that when/if the Federal Government acts on this, the State of Missouri will automatically enact it. Thank you for your email. "

Given the positive responses Gillespie has received, he's already come up with a name for the bill.

"If I have an opportunity, I would respectfully request from our Senate to name the bill the 'Jake and Sadie Bill'," said Gillespie. "That represents two family members that I've lost."

Gillespie said both Jake and Sadie died from mental health, addiction and overdose.

"I mean, it's a young male, a young female," said Gillespie in response to the reasoning of the name. "I think it would help draw connections to families that have lost...when help is available."

The 988 hotline does more than just assist with suicidal thoughts or feelings...

"If you're feeling sad or in a relationship, there's always someone there, you know, that can talk you down." said Gillespie. "They can route your treatment team to you...make that connection."

The three-digit hotline also assists with substance use crises as well.

The difference between the 988 and the 911 response depends on the policies set by communities.

"If you call 911, at least in this community, they have to follow policies, procedures as well," said Gillespie. "Which more than likely results in an ambulance ride to Mosaic Life Care, where, you know, the money's probably gonna pile up for that person. Not to mention, taxpayer dollars could be affected to support emergency services."

Gillespie mentioned that over 1,200 deaths in Missouri, were caused by suicide.

The number equates to about one suicide every seven hours.j

The 988 hotline doesn't just operate through calls, it also operates through text, online chatting and video-chatting.

Missouri has seven Lifeline crisis centers that are 24/7 available to respond to calls and route help

 to those in need of it.