On July 16, the new mental health national hotline 988 will go live. This easy-to-remember number provides Americans with mental health resources by replacing the 10-digit number of the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, established in 2005. The previous Lifeline phone number, 1–800–273–8255 (1–800–273-TALK), remains active even after the launch of the new three-digit phone number and will always be available to people in crisis.
The hotline is free, confidential, and can refer people who require assistance but don’t know where to turn. Callers will be connected to one of over 200 local and state-funded crisis centers across the United States, with calls routed to the nearest center based on area code. Friends and family can also use the 988 number to assist those experiencing mental health issues. 988 will be available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and can be reached via phone, text, or chat.
Most of 988’s funding comes from the American Rescue Plan, administered by the Department of Health and Human Services’ Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. The American Rescue Plan will provide nearly $105 million in grant funding for its creation and operation.