The 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline adds nationwide ASL services for Deaf and Hard of Hearing callers

Nov. 2023Important Notices
Pennsylvania implemented the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline last July. Like 911, it is simple to remember. This measure helped make it easier for people to access support during a mental health crisis nationwide.

Support has now expanded to include nationwide American Sign Language (ASL) services for people who are Deaf and Hard of Hearing. Callers who are Deaf, DeafBlind, DeafDisabled, Hard of Hearing, and Late-Deafened can connect directly to a trained 988 Lifeline counselor in ASL using these steps:
  1. Visit 988lifeline.org.
  2. Click the “ASL Now” button.
  3. Follow the prompts.

Direct dialing to 988 from a videophone will be available soon. In the meantime, ASL callers can call 1-800-273-TALK (8255) from their videophone to reach ASL services.

Recent Announcements

Community Care Behavioral Health is excited to announce this free upcoming web-based training opportunity:

A growing body of U.S. and international research demonstrates that the rapid legalization and commercialization of gambling—including online casinos and mobile sports betting platforms—are associated with significant and escalating gambling related harm. Although Pennsylvania specific prevalence data remain limited, available evidence is increasingly concerning, with gambling disorder linked to alarmingly high rates of suicide, psychiatric comorbidity, and social and financial harm. Drawing on lessons from the tobacco and opioid crises, this presentation will examine how delayed recognition and regulation can amplify population level harm, underscoring the need for earlier screening, prevention, and policy engagement. Participants will gain practical guidance on identifying patients at elevated risk, implementing evidence informed screening and diagnostic strategies, and applying current treatment approaches across the lifespan.
May 2026Education/Webinars

Bridging Smiles and Systems: Collaborative Care for Children with Chronic Conditions

Please join us for a live, CME-accredited and CEU-accredited webinar on May 13 from noon to 1p.m., that will explore the critical connection between oral health and pediatric chronic conditions such as diabetes, asthma, congenital heart disease, and ADHD.
Apr. 2026Education/Webinars

Certified Community Health Worker (CCHW) Provider Billing Notification

UPMC for You will now reimburse for up to three certified community health worker (CCHW) visits per member per calendar year for Medicaid recipients, per the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services (PA DHS).
Apr. 2026Important Notices