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The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services has launched a new statewide phone number for people struggling with mental health or substance abuse.
The new peer warmline will work in tandem with the North Carolina 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline and give callers the option to speak with a peer support specialist, people who are living in recovery with mental illness or have substance use disorder.
A warmline is a confidential, free phone service offering mental health support not intended for emergencies.
Why it matters: Warmlines have also been shown to improve outcomes for people in crisis by reducing hospitalizations and emergency department visits and reducing the recurrence of behavioral health symptoms, according to the NCDHHS 988 Performance Dashboard.
The statewide warmline launched on Feb. 20 and will be run by Promise Resource Network, a peer-run organization in Mecklenburg County, which was awarded the contract following a competitive public bidding process.
“When you’re in a tough spot, sometimes the best person to talk with is a person who has had similar experiences,” N.C. Health and Human Services Secretary Kody H. Kinsley said in a statement.
Anyone needing assistance can call 1-855-PEERS N.C., 855-733-7762, text 988, or chat at 988Lifeline.org.
Those who call 988 will also have the option to connect with the Peer Warmline if they prefer to speak with a peer.
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