It’s now easier to call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline.
Those who need help and want to reach the lifeline only have to dial a three-digit phone number – 988.
Previously, the lifeline required people to call a 10-digit number, but the three-digit number became available on July 16.
People may still call the old lifeline number, 800-273-8255 (TALK), but mental health experts hope the new, easy-to-remember number will provide better access to those who need life-saving counseling.
“They are adding on the 988 option for easier access, easier memory,” said Brianne Zwiener, Jefferson County Health Department public health information officer. “It’s for anyone, so if you are feeling suicidal, depressed, overwhelmed, anxious – if you’re feeling anything at all where you think it would be really great to talk to someone about it – that number is there for you.”
The number works much like 911, and those who call the new 988 hotline number will be connected to a counselor. People may call or send text messages to the number.
“You will be able to talk to them. They will be able to provide education, resources, have a listening ear,” Zwiener said. “They’ll be able to help you work through the crisis and help you identify or get other folks who can help you.”
She said all calls to 988 are confidential.
Zwiener said people also may chat with a counselor at 988lifeline.org.
When people call the lifeline, they will hear a recorded message and be asked to pick their preferred language, either English or Spanish. They also will be asked if they’re a veteran.
Zwiener said veterans will be routed to a Veteran Crisis Line.
Missouri residents who call the number will be connected with one of seven crisis centers in the state, Gov. Mike Parson said in a written statement.
The seven centers in Missouri expect to receive a total of 253,000 contacts in a one-year period, including calls, texts and chat messages, according to the governor’s statement.
Because the new 988 hotline number was launched, people must now dial 10 digits when making calls – the area code plus the number. That change went into effect in October 2021.