10 things to know about the 988 mental health crisis line

1. The 988 hotlines will be the national suicide prevention and mental health crisis hotline in the United States. It is set to launch in July 2022.
2. The current National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (NSPL) number, 1-800-273-TALK (8255), will continue to be available and will be automatically routed to 988.
3. 988 will be a free, confidential, and available 24/7 for anyone experiencing a mental health crisis, including individuals at risk of suicide, and their loved ones.
4. The 988 hotline will provide access to trained crisis counselors who can offer support, resources, and referrals to local mental health services.
5. The 988 number will be available to everyone in the United States, including in areas without a designated crisis hotline.
6. The implementation of 988 requires infrastructure and funding, including hiring and training additional crisis counselors, upgrading phone systems, and increasing the capacity of local crisis centers.
7. The FCC has allocated $50 million in funding to support the implementation of 988, but additional resources will be needed to fully roll out the service.
8. The implementation of 988 is expected to increase access to mental health services and reduce the stigma surrounding mental illness.
9. The availability of a three-digit hotline is intended to make it easier for individuals in crisis to remember and access the service quickly.
10. The launch of 988 is part of a broader effort to improve access to mental health services and prevent suicide in the United States, including the implementation of the National Action Alliance for Suicide Prevention's 2012 National Strategy for Suicide Prevention.
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