What is 988?
What you need to know about the new 988 crisis support hotline
The new, easy-to-remember number launches Saturday.
July 13, 2022 at 7:59PM
Starting Saturday, 988 will be the new number connecting people to crisis support. It will serve as an easy-to-remember way for people experiencing suicidal thoughts or a mental health or substance-use crisis to speak, text or chat with a trained counselor.
What happens if I call 988?
Callers will first hear a greeting message while their call is routed to a local crisis center (based on the caller's area code). A trained crisis counselor will answer the phone, listen to the caller, understand how their problem is affecting them, provide support and share resources if needed. If the local crisis center is unable to take the call, the caller will be routed to a national backup crisis center.
What happens if I text 988?
When someone texts to 988, they will get a response from a group of crisis centers that respond to chat and text. This service will expand over the next few years to increase local and state-level responses.
Who can use 988?
The new hotline is for anyone who needs support for a suicidal, mental health and/or substance-use crisis. Anyone can call or text 988, 24 hours a day, seven days a week. People can also dial 988 if they are worried about a loved one who may need crisis support.
What happens to the existing National Suicide Prevention Lifeline?
The current Lifeline hotline number, 1-800-273-TALK (8255), will remain in service. Dialing either number will route callers to the same services.
How is 988 different from 911?
988 was established to improve access to mental health crisis services in response to the nation's growing suicide and mental health issues. 988 is distinct from the public safety purpose of 911, which focuses on dispatching emergency medical services, fire and police. People should call 911 if they suspect drug overdose or need immediate medical help.
Will 988 calls be referred to 911?
A small percentage of calls will require activation of the 911 system when there is imminent risk to someone's life that cannot be reduced during the Lifeline call. In these cases, the crisis counselor shares information with 911 crucial to saving the caller's life.
Sources: Minnesota Department of Health, Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration
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