988, The New National Suicide Hotline Number, Launches Saturday
News Release
WARSAW — Beginning Saturday, July 16, the federally mandated 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline will be available to everyone across the United States.
Calls to 988 will be routed to the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, a national network of local crisis centers that provides free and confidential emotional support to people in suicidal crisis or emotional distress 24/7/365.
988 will provide easier access to the Lifeline network and related crisis resources, which are distinct from 911 (where the focus is on dispatching Emergency Medical Services, fire and police as needed).
The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration worked with the Federal Communications Commission and the Department of Veterans Affairs to establish the service.
Bowen Center, the largest community mental health center in Indiana, has long been supportive of a simplified number to help ease access to crisis help. Bowen issued a news release announcing the change.
This new easy to remember 3-digit number will allow quick access to mental health care professionals by calling or texting 988, or by chatting at 988Lifeline.org. Trained 988 counselors will support and connect those who reach out to local resources at times of crisis whether callers are experiencing suicidal thoughts, mental health challenges or substance use issues.
The 988 dialing code will be available nationwide for call (multiple languages), text or chat (English only) on Saturday. Until then, those experiencing a mental health or suicide-related crisis, or those helping a loved one through crisis, should continue to reach the Lifeline at its current number, 1-800-273-8255, which will continue to be available in addition to 988.
