Today is a big day for mental health crisis response, Peter.
988 is now NATIONWIDE! 988 is an alternative to 911 for mental health, substance use and suicidal crises. It will connect people in need to trained crisis counselors who can provide de-escalation and mental health intervention services by phone, and ideally make connections to additional services and help in their community.
Every year, millions of mental health crisis calls are made to 911. Unfortunately, when in-person help is needed, law enforcement — not a mental health professional — is often the only response available.
It doesn’t have to be this way.
People in a mental health or suicide crisis deserve a compassionate and effective response. 988 is the first step in strengthening and transforming crisis care in America. It is intended to serve as a universal entry point so that eventually, no matter where you live, you can reach a trained crisis counselor who can help.
988 is more than just an easy-to-remember number — it’s 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.
With 988 now being available nationwide, there are more opportunities for not only life-changing, but life-saving help. Please share this crisis number with anyone and everyone you know. And when you or someone you know is in need of help, please remember that hope has a new number, 988.
It’s okay to not be okay. If you or someone you know needs help, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255). Crisis Text Line also provides free, 24/7, confidential support via text message to people in crisis when they text HOME to 741741.
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