10/11/2022
988 Su***de & Crisis Lifeline launched
The new 988 Su***de & Crisis Lifeline is now active across the U.S. Modeled after the emergency number 911, it offers 24/7 call, text, and chat access to trained crisis counselors who can help people experiencing suicidal thoughts, substance use issues, a mental health crisis, or any other kind of emotional distress. People can also dial 988 if they are worried about a loved one who may need crisis support. Calls through the National Su***de Prevention Lifeline’s number, 1-800-273-8255, launched in 2005, will now be routed to 988. The new number is a joint effort by the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), and the Department of Veterans Affairs. President Donald Trump signed a bipartisan bill to create 988 service to respond to all mental health crises. According to HHS, the Biden administration has increased federal funding from $24 million to $432 million toward building the capacity of local and backup call centers and providing associated services, including a subnetwork for Spanish speakers. [Chatterjee R. The new 988 mental health hotline is live. NPR, July 16, 2022]
