Three Digits to Save A Life: Celebrating 988 Day episode artwork

EPISODE · Sep 3, 2025 · 21 MIN

Three Digits to Save A Life: Celebrating 988 Day

from The Horizon Line: Stories and Insights into Mental Health, Substance Use, Recovery and Hope · host Horizon Behavioral Health

In our first-ever video podcast episode of the The Horizon Line, host Ryan Weaks discusses the critical role of the 988 crisis hotline with guests April Dovel, Director of Crisis Services at the VA Department of Behavioral Health & Developmental Services alongside AJ Harold, Senior Clinical Director at Horizon Behavioral Health. They explore the significance of 988 as a universal entry point for mental health support, the growth in call volume since its launch, the challenges faced in staffing and funding, and the importance of mobile crisis teams in providing on-the-ground support. The conversation highlights real-life success stories and emphasizes the need for community awareness and accessibility to mental health resources. Listen in to learn more about 988: three digits that can save a life.Chapters00:00 Introduction to 988 and Crisis Services02:39 Understanding 988: A Lifeline for Mental Health05:08 The Process of Calling 98807:55 Horizon’s Role in the 988 System10:24 Challenges in Implementing 98812:43 Crisis Intervention Teams: On-the-Ground Support15:27 Real-Life Impact of 98818:09 Encouraging Community Engagement with 98821:22 Closing and Reminder of Support ResourcesAbout Horizon Behavioral HealthHorizon Behavioral Health has been the primary public behavioral healthcare provider in Central Virginia for over 56 years. We provide comprehensive services for adults and children addressing mental health, substance use, and intellectual and developmental disabilities. Horizon is accredited by CARF International, representing the highest level of accreditation in the field of behavioral health.The Horizon Line is a podcast produced by Horizon Behavioral Health and recorded at the Horizon Wellness Center at Langhorne. Each episode is designed to inform, inspire, and reduce the stigma surrounding behavioral health through authentic conversations with professionals, individuals with lived experience, and community leaders.Disclaimer: The content of this podcast is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or behavioral health concern.Contact Us: Have questions, feedback, or want to get involved? The best way to reach us is by emailing ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠[email protected]⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.Follow Horizon Behavioral Health:Twitter: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@Horizon_BH⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@Horizon_BH_⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠YouTube: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@HorizonBehavioralHealth⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@HorizonBH⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Learn more at: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠HorizonBH.org⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Copyright Notice:© [2025] Horizon Behavioral Health. All rights reserved. This podcast and its content may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, or otherwise used without the prior written permission of Horizon Behavioral Health.

In our first-ever video podcast episode of the The Horizon Line, host Ryan Weaks discusses the critical role of the 988 crisis hotline with guests April Dovel, Director of Crisis Services at the VA Department of Behavioral Health & Developmental Services alongside AJ Harold, Senior Clinical Director at Horizon Behavioral Health. They explore the significance of 988 as a universal entry point for mental health support, the growth in call volume since its launch, the challenges faced in staffing and funding, and the importance of mobile crisis teams in providing on-the-ground support. The conversation highlights real-life success stories and emphasizes the need for community awareness and accessibility to mental health resources. Listen in to learn more about 988: three digits that can save a life.Chapters00:00 Introduction to 988 and Crisis Services02:39 Understanding 988: A Lifeline for Mental Health05:08 The Process of Calling 98807:55 Horizon’s Role in the 988 System10:24 Challenges in Implementing 98812:43 Crisis Intervention Teams: On-the-Ground Support15:27 Real-Life Impact of 98818:09 Encouraging Community Engagement with 98821:22 Closing and Reminder of Support ResourcesAbout Horizon Behavioral HealthHorizon Behavioral Health has been the primary public behavioral healthcare provider in Central Virginia for over 56 years. We provide comprehensive services for adults and children addressing mental health, substance use, and intellectual and developmental disabilities. Horizon is accredited by CARF International, representing the highest level of accreditation in the field of behavioral health.The Horizon Line is a podcast produced by Horizon Behavioral Health and recorded at the Horizon Wellness Center at Langhorne. Each episode is designed to inform, inspire, and reduce the stigma surrounding behavioral health through authentic conversations with professionals, individuals with lived experience, and community leaders.Disclaimer: The content of this podcast is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or behavioral health concern.Contact Us: Have questions, feedback, or want to get involved? The best way to reach us is by emailing ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠[email protected]⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.Follow Horizon Behavioral Health:Twitter: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@Horizon_BH⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@Horizon_BH_⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠YouTube: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@HorizonBehavioralHealth⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@HorizonBH⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Learn more at: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠HorizonBH.org⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Copyright Notice:© [2025] Horizon Behavioral Health. All rights reserved. This podcast and its content may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, or otherwise used without the prior written permission of Horizon Behavioral Health.

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Three Digits to Save A Life: Celebrating 988 Day

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This episode is 21 minutes long.

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This episode was published on September 3, 2025.

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In our first-ever video podcast episode of the The Horizon Line, host Ryan Weaks discusses the critical role of the 988 crisis hotline with guests April Dovel, Director of Crisis Services at the VA Department of Behavioral Health & Developmental...

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