Dial 988
Beginning on July 16th the new route for calls to the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline and substance use disorder counselours will be coming from dialing “988”.
Currently the 10 digit number (800) 273-8255 is the 24 hour hotline number. As part of a nationwide initiative to better address those needs without the involvement of local law enforcement, the number is being changed federally as states are coming together to organize this change. Many believe this to be a much needed change that will help a public message surrounding ease of access and practicality much like 9-1-1 being used as a National Emergency Hotline in 1968.
“The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is a leader in suicide prevention and mental health crisis care. Since its inception, the Lifeline has engaged in a variety of initiatives to improve crisis services and advance suicide prevention for all, including innovative public messaging, best practices in mental health, and groundbreaking partnerships.” – Suicide Prevention Lifeline Organization
The goal being to assist in Mental Health Crisis Care and to decrease the adverse events and suicides. As many are asking, will this be a game changer or a missed opportunity?
Our very own Psychologist Department Head; Alexandria Jerichow weighs in ;
“Knowing that the 988 Lifeline number will be going live soon is an incredible proactive move towards a direct connection to accessible means of mental health assistance, emotional distress and/or suicidal de-escalation and substance-related crisis. Too often, acute mental health crises are being handled via law enforcement where this may serve as a better means of crisis response where callers may speak directly to a trained mental health professional.”
While the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline has served as a resource for those in mental health crisis for more than 15 years, people have to remember a 10-digit number to call it. The three-digit makeover is likely to draw more callers. If it can handle the influx, 988 could divert individuals to services that are more appropriate than emergency rooms or law enforcement agencies.
Additional Resources:
https://www.latimes.com/opinion/story/2022-06-18/mental-health-hotline-suicide-988