NAMI Announces REIMAGINE: A 988 Week of Action, Nov. 15–19

A mental health crisis deserves a mental health response — and people in crisis and their families deserve better than what our current system offers. NAMI is excited to announce registration is open for REIMAGINE: A Week of Action to Reimagine Our National Response to People in Crisis, a week that includes a virtual event and advocacy activities taking place Nov. 15–19, 2021.

This REIMAGINE Week of Action will focus on building momentum to improve crisis services ahead of the July 2022 launch of 988*, a new nationwide three-digit number for mental health, substance use and suicidal crises. The creation of this national number provides a significant opportunity to begin reimagining our crisis response system. But there is still much work to be done to ensure there is support available when people start calling 988 for help, but we cannot #ReimagineCrisis alone.

During this week, learn about how our current response to crises negatively affects individuals, families and communities, and how you can help create impactful change. Hear from speakers who have first-hand experience with our current response to mental health and suicidal crises. Participate in conversations exploring key intersections with crisis response — equity and social justice, public safety and first responders, and youth and young adults. Learn about opportunities to advocate on behalf of your communities throughout the week.

NAMI is grateful for the 15 partner organizations who have signed onto the Week of Action: American College of Emergency Physicians, American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, American Psychiatric Association, Behavioral Health Link, CIT International, Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance, Inseparable, The Kennedy Forum, Mental Health America, National Association of State Mental Health Program Directors, National Council for Mental Wellbeing, RI International, Steinberg Institute, The Trevor Project and Well Being Trust.

One person, organization or coalition cannot do this alone. We hope you’ll join us — and NAMI advocates across the country — to build a better, more equitable crisis system. Register today at reimaginecrisis.org.

*988 is not currently active. If you are experiencing a crisis, text “NAMI” to 741741 or call the Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255.