Vibrant Emotional Health Appoints Wendy Martinez Farmer as Interim Program Director of the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline
Media Contact:
Divendra Jaffar, AVP of Communications & Engagement
[email protected]
NEW YORK, NY (August 27, 2026) — Vibrant Emotional Health (Vibrant) today announced that Wendy Martinez Farmer, LPC, MBA, has been appointed to serve as interim Program Director for the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, effective September 10. Wendy’s extensive experience, knowledge of the 988 Lifeline, crisis systems, and the national network position her to provide strong leadership and continuity following Dr. Tia Dole’s departure as Chief 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline Officer.
With more than 26 years of crisis services experience, Wendy currently serves as Vice President of 988 Strategy, Quality Improvement & Clinical Standards. In this role, she provides leadership across key areas of the 988 Lifeline, including strategy, quality improvement, clinical standards, training, and practices. Prior to joining Vibrant, she led the Crisis Center of Excellence at Carelon Behavioral Health and served as CEO of the Georgia Collaborative, where she oversaw the Georgia Crisis and Access Line, a 988 contact center. Previously, as President and CEO of Behavioral Health Link, she led a statewide crisis line and 24/7 mobile crisis response services across 104 Georgia counties.
For nearly four years, Dr. Dole has played a critical role in the growth and advancement of the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. She has provided strategic and clinical leadership at a pivotal time in the evolution of 988, helping strengthen the quality, consistency, and effectiveness of the nation’s crisis response system. Vibrant is thankful for her contributions, dedication and commitment to expanding access to crisis care and wishes her the very best in her next role.
“Our priority during this transition is ensuring continued stability and excellence for the 988 Lifeline, our employees, our network, and the millions of people who rely on 988,” said Dr. Cara A. McNulty, CEO of Vibrant Emotional Health. “We are grateful to Tia for her leadership and contributions to the 988 Lifeline and wish her every success in her next chapter. We are fortunate to have Wendy’s extensive experience and deep understanding of 988 and crisis systems guiding the Lifeline during this important transition.”
As the administrator of the 988 Lifeline, Vibrant is proud to have helped serve nearly 30 million contacts from help seekers since the transition to 988 in 2022. Vibrant will continue working closely with Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, the 988 Lifeline network and partners to ensure the Lifeline remains strong, accessible and responsive to the needs of people across the country.
If you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis, help is available. Call or text 988 or visit www.988lifeline.org to connect with a trained crisis counselor.
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About Vibrant Emotional Health
Vibrant Emotional Health is a non-profit organization that helps individuals and families achieve emotional wellbeing. For over 55 years, our groundbreaking solutions have delivered high-quality services and support when, where, and how people need it. We offer confidential emotional support through our state-of-the-art contact center and crisis hotline services that use leading-edge telephone, text, and web-based technologies, including the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline and Veterans Crisis Line. Through our community wellness programs, individuals and families obtain the support and skills they need to thrive. Our advocacy and education initiatives promote mental well-being as a social responsibility. We help millions of people live healthier and more vibrant lives yearly. We’re advancing access, dignity, and respect for all and revolutionizing the system for good. Visit vibrant.org. Follow Vibrant on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, and X.
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