A new three digit number has been launched by the U.S. government to help those struggling with mental health challenges, according to an article in NPR. Similar to 911, the number is structured to offer triaged support to the best local resources.
Upon calling, people are connected to a counselor at one of 200 crisis centers in the network across the US, or one of the 16 backup centers.
The new 988 number takes over from the existing National Suicide Prevention Lifeline’s 10-digit number — 1-800-273-8255. Although the support is initially phone based, people can be connected to in-person care if that is deemed necessary.
“Over time, the vision for 988 is to have additional crisis services available in communities across the country, much the way emergency medical services work,” said Miriam Delphin-Rittmon, the HHS assistant secretary for SAMHSA, in a statement to NPR.
The 988 number is a joint initiative between the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) and the Department of Veterans Affairs.
Source:
https://www.npr.org/sections/health-shots/2022/07/15/1111316589/988-suicide-hotline-number
