Mental health resources included on new NC student IDs

CHARLOTTE — North Carolina students will notice three new numbers on the back of their IDs this fall.

Mental health resources will be printed on student ID cards for sixth through 12^th grades and college students.

Rebekah Collins, a mental health advocate, said making phone numbers, such as the Suicide Prevention Hotline, available could save lives.

“Usually it’s 2 a.m., late at night when someone is really struggling, and they might not remember a sign that they saw at school that day, but they can quickly access what those numbers are on the back of their student ID,” Collins said.

The most recent state budget included a provision to add the numbers.

Resources:

• Call 988 or (800) 273-8255: For the Veterans Crisis Line, press 1; For support in Spanish, press 2. (Para español, oprima dos.) Everyone else, stay on the line or press 0. You will be connected with a caring and qualified counselor ready to support you.
• Text 988 (for Spanish: text AYUDA to 988)
• Chat online
• Get help if you are Deaf, Hard of Hearing, or have hearing loss

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