Inside West Virginia’s 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline

In this episode of the Kanawha Valley Hustlers podcast, I talk with Rozanna Bracken, director of the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline for West Virginia. She explains that 988 replaced the old 1-800-273-TALK number to make it easier for people to remember and now allows calling, texting, or chatting for help. Anyone can reach out — whether they’re struggling themselves or worried about someone else — and trained counselors will listen and guide them to resources. Rozanna says crisis is defined by the person in it, not by anyone else, and emphasizes that listening without judgment can save lives. We discuss how family and friends often try to fix problems instead of simply hearing what someone is going through, and that’s where 988 provides real support. Rozanna also serves on the board for the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention and talks about the Out of the Darkness Walk, an event that helps break stigma and brings people together. She ends with a message of hope: everyone matters, and if you’re struggling or know someone who is, call, text, or chat 988.