The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), a division of the United States Department of Health and Human Services, is instituting a new, nationwide 988 code to access suicide prevention and substance abuse counseling.
988 will work similarly to 911 – just dial the three digits, with no 1 or area code needed.
About 988
A new 3-digit dialing code, 988, has been designated to operate through the existing National Suicide Prevention Lifeline’s (1-800-273-8255) network.
The Lifeline is a national network of over 200 local, independent crisis centers equipped to help people in mental health-related distress or experiencing a suicidal crisis via call, chat, or text, providing free and confidential support to people in suicidal crisis or mental health-related distress 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, across the country. The Lifeline accepts calls, texts, and chats from anyone who needs support for a suicidal, mental health and/or substance use crisis, for yourself or for someone you care about.
On Saturday, July 16, 2022, the U.S. will transition to using the 988 dialing code.
Even though 988 is being implemented, the 1-800-273-8255 number (Suicide Prevention Hotline) will still be available. After July 16, 2022, using either number will get people to the same services. 988 is simply an easier-to-remember way to access a strengthened and expanded network of crisis call centers.
988 is a direct connection to compassionate, accessible care and support for anyone experiencing mental health-related distress – whether that is thoughts of suicide, mental health or substance-use 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.
The 988 dialing code is a first step toward strengthening and transforming crisis care in this country. It serves as a universal entry point, so that no matter where you live in the country, you can reach a trained crisis counselor who can help.
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