AT THIS HOUR

16,577,432: Calls, texts and chats to the national 988 hotline for people in a mental health crisis, including or suicide situations, and including calls routed from 988 to the veterans crisis line. Calls last about 13 minutes on average. For the 2.5 million texts, about 93,000 of them have been routed to a crisis center and the average length of time of the texting is 45 minutes. The average length of time this year for all calls, texts and chats is 21 minutes, up from 18 minutes a few years ago. Calls are routed quickly when they come in - including to specialized counselors like for LGBTQ youth.

Science: A lot of therapists do not treat borderline personality disorder as a trauma related disorder….the implications? See here.

Sport: Edward Waters University in xyz has taken a big step in addressing the mental health needs of its student-athletes by creating a partnership with Hearts for Minds to bring a dedicated space to the athletic center focused on mental well-being. The model can be replicated in high schools and middle schools and helps “reduce stigma.” Details here.

Policy: “No, definitely not...there are certain patients where opioids are appropriate including cancer patients but in general, I think the culture has shifted away from opioids,” Dr. Karina Gritsenko, on whether opioids are still the first line of defense in chronic pain. At the Prognosis for America’s Pain Management event May 29 in New York, speakers said intranasal ketamine, regional anesthesia, and anti-inflammatory drugs are being used as alternatives. 

Perspective: Conan Langlois says his addiction started when he was 12 years old when he played every game high. His story, featured here in a clip from the documentary my son Jack and I made about a running club community helping families recover from addiction and elevate mental health, is a reminder that the cost of treatment and the path to long-term recovery doesn’t have to cost $50,000 per episode and doesn’t have to come with an almost inevitable 50% relapse rate. A simpler model – costing states, insurers and patients effectively a drop in the bucket – one grounded in running and community support, not in a building or through a billable visit – but at a park, may just be the next big thing. A tour of the documentary to schools, colleges and civic organizations is starting this fall. Reach out for details or click here to sign up or support.

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