The 988 Mental Health Crisis Hotline launches across the United States on July 16, 2022.
988 will make it easier for people experiencing mental distress to reach trained crisis counselors. While the existing suicide prevention hotline number (1-800-273-8255) will continue to work, the new three digit number is hoped to make it simpler to call, and easier to raise awareness for the service.
To learn more about what this means:
- Visit 988lifeline.org
- Read this article in The New York Times
- Check out this Fact Sheet on 988 and the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline
- Read this article about how the 988 number intersects with the MARCUS Alert and emergency services in Virginia
- Listen to the NPR Podcast It’s Been A Minute episode audio and transcript about the 988 number and crisis response
- Check out these articles about the 988 number from local news around the state: Richmond, Hampton Roads, Charlottesville, Roanoke and Northern VA.