Monthly Spotlight August 2022: 988
By Michelle Lunger
For our August spotlight, we decided to highlight the new 988 Suicide and Crisis Hotline. 988 is a new 3 digit dialing code that automatically connects callers to The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (now known as 988 Suicide and Crisis Hotline). If you are in need of extra support, suicidal, or in a mental health crisis, you can now call, text, or chat 988. You will then be connected to trained counselors or mental health professionals who are a part of the organization. The trained employee will listen, provide support, understanding, and resources as needed. 988 was designed to be a quick and memorable number for anyone in crisis to call whenever needed. According to The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), “In 2020, Congress designated the new 988 dialing code to be operated through the existing National Suicide Prevention Lifeline. SAMHSA sees 988 as a first step towards a “transformed crisis care system in America.” While the 988 number has been active since July 16th, the previous lifeline phone number is still available for use (1-800-273-8255). Additionally, Xavier Becerra, the secretary of the federal Department of Health and Human Services, at a recent press briefing said, "988 won't be a busy signal, and 988 won't put you on hold. You will get help."
988 changes the game and provides hope for reimagining mental health care. It also sparks the conversation and the reason why mental health care is just as important as health care in general. There is hope, there are resources, and there is help out there. 988, is filling in the health care gaps, making it easier and more accessible to find the support you are looking for and need. To learn more about 988 check out the links below, as well as their Instagram. To learn more about what happens when you call a crisis hotline and other options check out our related blog posts below. Lastly, let’s continue to not only support 988, but mental health in general and direct anyone in crisis to 988 to get the help they need.
Learn More:
Get Help:
https://988lifeline.org/talk-to-someone-now/
Get Involved:
https://988lifeline.org/participate/
Donate:
https://988lifeline.org/donate/
Other Articles:
https://www.nami.org/Advocacy/Crisis-Intervention/988-Reimagining-Crisis-Response
https://www.samhsa.gov/find-help/988
https://www.npr.org/sections/health-shots/2022/07/15/1111316589/988-suicide-hotline-number
Our Blogs about Crisis Lines:
https://www.rideethewave.com/blog-1/what-happens-when-you-contact-a-crisis-hotline
https://www.rideethewave.com/blog-1/follow-up-what-to-do-when-a-crisis-hotline-fails-you
