Mental Health Association in Orange County, Inc. (MHAOC) announces that the Orange County Crisis Call Center has
earned a three-year accreditation from the American Association of Suicidology for its work as a local center in the 988
Suicide & Crisis Lifeline network.
In 2025, the Orange County Crisis Call Center handled over 60,000 contacts across its services, including Text4Teens.
That total includes over 3,500 contacts through the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, connecting people with support when
they were struggling or concerned about someone they love.
MHAOC operated Orange County’s Helpline and Warmline for over 40 years before helping launch the Orange County
Crisis Call Center in April 2019. MHAOC joined the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline network in late 2020 and
participated in the nationwide launch of 988 in July 2022. Today, the Call Center provides around-the-clock crisis support
and connects people with mobile crisis response, peer support, and other local services.
“When someone reaches out in a crisis, our team is there to listen, help them through the moment, and figure out what
comes next,” said Angela Jo Henze, Executive Director of Mental Health Association in Orange County. “This
accreditation recognizes the care our team brings to those conversations every day. Whether you’re struggling yourself
or worried about someone you love, you can reach out at any hour.”
“Congratulations to the Mental Health Association on earning a three-year national accreditation as a 988 Crisis Call
Center,” added Lacey Trimble, Orange County Commissioner of Mental Health and Social Services. “MHA has long been
an essential partner in Orange County’s behavioral health system. This accreditation gives national recognition to the
excellence and vital role MHA plays in operating the Orange County Crisis Call Center/311/988. They help to ensure
Orange County residents receive immediate, compassionate support when they need it most.”
The 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. For support, call 988, text 988, or chat at
https://988lifeline.org/chat/
