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988 has been designated as the new three-digit dialing code that will route callers to the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline Network. The 988 dialing code launched July 16, 2022. When people call, text, or chat 988, they will be connected to trained counselors that are part of the existing 988 Suicide & Crisis Network. These trained counselors will listen, understand how their problems are affecting them, provide support, and connect them to resources if necessary.
988 Lifeline
Suicide & Crisis Network
About 988
88 Suicide and Crisis Network is a national network of local crisis centers that provides free and confidential emotional support to people in suicidal crisis or emotional distress 24 hours a day, 7 days a week in the United States. We're committed to improving crisis services and advancing suicide prevention by empowering individuals, advancing professional best practices,
and building awareness.
When people call, text, or chat 988, they will be connected to trained counselors that are part of the existing National 988 Suicide & Crisis network. These trained counselors will listen, understand how their problems are affecting them, provide support, and connect them to resources if necessary.
988 Awareness Campaign
Why?
According to the CDC, mental illnesses are one of the most common health conditions in the United States. In this Country alone, 1 in 5 Americans experience a mental illness each year and 1 in 5 children, currently or at some point during their life, have experienced a seriously debilitating mental illness. Looking at the entire population, 1 in 25 Americans live with a serious mental illness; schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, or depression.
The Lifeline’s network of over 200 crisis centers has been in operation since 2005, and has been proven to be effective. It’s the counselors at these local crisis centers who answer the contacts the Lifeline receives every day. Numerous studies have shown that callers feel less suicidal, less depressed, less overwhelmed and more hopeful after speaking with a Lifeline counselor.
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