After two years of planning and preparation, the new three-digit suicide prevention line, 988, will go live on Saturday, July 16.
In 2020, Congress designated the new 988 dialing code to operate through the existing National Suicide Prevention Lifeline.
The Lifeline, 988, will be a direct connection to trained, compassionate, accessible care and support for anyone experiencing mental health-related distress or thoughts of suicide. With 988, the caller experience will be different. Lifeline centers utilize the Vibrant Emotional Health Lifeline technology, which means callers to 988 will hear some automated prompts before hearing a counselor’s voice.
Moving to 988 does not mean the 1-800-273-8255 number goes away. After July 16, 2022, using either number will get people to the same services.
“We know that it can be hard to start conversations about mental health, but they are very important conversations and could save a life,” said Sheri Dawson, director of the Division of Behavioral Health at Nebraska DHHS. It is never too early to talk about mental health and we don’t want the conversation to be too late. Use your eyes, ears, heart, and mind to reach out and offer help if someone is suicidal. If you’re unsure if someone is thinking of ending his/her life, ask, or now you can say, ‘let’s call 988 and talk to someone.’ People can also dial 988 if they are worried about a loved one who may need crisis support.”