From the Indiana Family and Social Services Administration, Division of Mental Health and Addiction

988 Fast Facts

  • 988 will be confidential, free, and available 24/7/365, connecting those experiencing a mental health, substance use, or suicidal crisis with trained crisis counselors.
  • Access is available through every land line, cell phone, and voice-over internet device in the United States.
  • 988 call services will be available in Spanish, along with interpretation services in over 150 languages.
  • The 988 dialing code will be available for call, text, and chat by July 16, 2022. Until then, those in crisis should continue to use 1-800-273-8255, which will continue to function even after the transition.
  • The nationwide transition to 988 as a three-digit call, text, and chat line is just the first important step in reimagining crisis support in the U.S.

 

On July 16, 2022, 988 will go live as a new national three-digit dialing code for reaching the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline. The current long-form phone number of 800-273-TALK will also continue to be an option.

988 will offer 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 9-8-8 if they are worried about a loved one who may need crisis support.

911 isn’t going away, this is just another option specifically for anyone experiencing mental health related distress.

Call 9-1-1 for police, fire and medical emergencies. Call 988 for thoughts of suicide, mental health or substance use crises, or any other kind of emotional distress. If you are not sure, call 9-1-1.

Why is 988 needed?

Too many people are experiencing suicidal crisis or mental health-related distress without the support and care they need, and sadly, the pandemic has only made a bad situation worse when it comes to mental health and wellness in America.

There are urgent realities driving the need for crisis service transformation across our country. In 2020 alone, the U.S. had one death by suicide about every 11 minutes—and for people aged 10 – 34 years, suicide is a leading cause of death. Additionally, from April 2020 to 2021, over 100,000 individuals died from drug overdoses.

There is hope. The Lifeline works — providing 24/7, free and confidential support to people in suicidal crisis or mental health-related distress helps thousands of people overcome crisis situations every day.

Follow these links for more information:

For more information about 988 in Indiana: https://www.in.gov/fssa/dmha/update-on-988-in-indiana/

For more information about 988 nationwide: https://www.samhsa.gov/find-help/988