People experiencing a mental health or substance use crisis, or families worried that a loved one may need suicide intervention assistance can now dial a simple three-digit number, 988, to reach the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline.
The lifeline is a nationwide network of crisis centers linked through a 24/7 toll-free number that connects callers in crisis to immediate intervention services and care with trained counselors. It provides free and confidential support, prevention and crisis resources.
U.S. Senators Jerry Moran (R-Kan.) Jack Reed (D-R.I.), and Tammy Baldwin (D-Wis.) co-authored the National Suicide Hotline Designation Act in 2020 with then-Senator Cory Gardner (R-Colo.) to designate 9-8-8 as the national suicide prevention and mental health crisis hotline.
The hotline is currently accessible — and will continue to be accessible — using the 10-digit number: 1-800-273-8255 (TALK).
“Designating 9-8-8 as a nationwide suicide help and prevention number provides an easy-to-remember and easy-to-access service for people to dial when they need a helping hand,” said Sen. Moran. “Just like Americans reach for their phones to dial 9-1-1 in an emergency, this three-digit number can now provide immediate, professional help for those struggling with mental illness.”
“Trimming the number from ten digits to 988 will help make it easier for people to remember and ensure those experiencing a mental health crisis or having suicidal thoughts can quickly access the help they need,” said Sen. Reed. “When someone makes a call for help, we want to ensure they are connected to a trained crisis intervention counselor who can properly assist, just like a trained dispatcher and police provide a coordinated response when someone calls 911. After a two year transition and significant state and federal investment, 988 should be ready to go live and help save lives.”
“We need to do everything we can to help those in mental health crises and prevent suicide, and that means improving the tools and resources they have when they are suffering,” said Sen. Baldwin. “After working to get my bipartisan legislation signed into law and ensure funding for the implementation, I am so proud to see this quick and easy three-digit phone number launch so Americans in crisis can get the timely help and support they need. This will save lives.”
Even with the launch of 9-8-8 yesterday, people experiencing life-threatening emergencies should still call 9-1-1 for immediate police, fire and medical assistance. People can dial 9-8-8 for suicide prevention help, mental health assistance or substance-use crises, or any other kind of severe emotional distress. If people are unsure, they should call 9-1-1, which is for immediate police response, whereas 9-8-8 connects callers to a trained counselor who can listen, directs callers to the right support resources and prevent the need for serious medical intervention.
{Matzav.com}