There’s been a lot of hoopla over the national and local launch of the 988 mental health emergency crisis line last month, as well as over the recent expansion of services at the Guilford County Behavioral Health Center at the start of this month.

Due to the introduction of more mental health and substance abuse resources in Guilford County – and with the introduction of the 988 call service – the county is holding a virtual question and answer session to provide information to the community.

In Guilford County over the last two years there’s been a massive change in the way mental health services are provided, and those facing behavioral issues have new resources – such as the just announced addition of 16 crisis care beds at the Guilford County Behavioral Health Center.

There’s a lot to know and county officials expect that people will have a lot of questions to ask.  So, Guilford County government – in partnership with the National Alliance on Mental Illness – is inviting residents to join the virtual 988 and Mental Health Community questions and answer event online on Wednesday, Aug. 17 from noon to 1 p.m.

The event will be presented through Zoom at https://www.zoomgov.com/j/1618379010.

Anyone can join by completing the webinar registration, selecting an option on how to join from the confirmation email before the meeting starts, and then choosing an audio option.

Local media outlets have been requested not to use the event to ask questions.

A request from the county sent to reporters states, “Due to the virtual nature of the event and limited space at the facility, we request you contact the county in advance to schedule a separate time for interviews and/or questions prior to or following the event. The Q&A period should be reserved for residents.”