Call volumes steadily have increased this year since 988’s 3-digit number went live last year in July. The number of calls routed to our call center went up 150% from June of 22 to July of 22 alone… Our call center has done the best we can to continue answering the increased volume of calls, all while this responsibility is added on top of the Emergency Services team current duties.  Throughout this reporting period NCSS was the only call center in VT providing 988 services via chat/text.  Those numbers have been on the increase as well.  One particular thing to note is that despite the high number of calls answered by our call center this past year, 2720, only 24 of those calls required an Active Rescue.  Meaning that 99% of the time our 988 call responders were able to de-escalate the situation where a caller was presenting at imminent risk and the need to bring in additional emergency responders (ambulance or law enforcement) was eliminated.  

Partner 988 Call Center (NKHS) in VT. 

Well trained staff to answer calls, chats, and texts.  All are answered live, with no delay.  Service is provided to anyone routed to our call centers regardless of location or catchment area.

Next year we are working diligently to separate out all 988 duties from the Emergency Services team and have all 988 services provided by a team where this is their sole responsibility.  Not only do we anticipate this move increasing our ability to bolster our answer rates, but to also be able to expand the program as the needs / demand expand state and nationwide.

Helping provide 24/7 access to 988 Crisis & Suicide Hotline with our partner call center in VT. Services provide an additional layer of protection and an additional safety net for anyone accessing support via 988.