In a tremendous achievement for mental health, July 16th marked the beginning of the phone number “988” being launched and recognized nationally as a new access point for critical mental health support, in the same way one dials “911” for emergency services.
Dialing “988” will replace the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (800-273-8255) and help meet the growing need nationally for urgent and emergent mental health care. The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline will remain active after July 16th while routing to the new number, 988 for ease of transition.
The goal of 988 is to reduce suicide attempts and deaths by suicide and provide individuals and their friends and families access to instant mental health support. It will also aid in more quickly and effectively planning longer term care to sustain recovery and quality of life for individuals.
988 is available if you’re having thoughts of suicide, feeling emotional distress, or struggling with substance misuse. 988 is also available if you have concerns about someone else and need guidance, help, or support.
When dialing 988:
The call goes to a local crisis center
The caller is connected to a skilled and trained counselor
Counselors listen and provide personalized support, resources and help in a mental health emergency
Special routing is available for both veterans and Spanish-speaking individuals.
988 is free and available 24/7/365. This easy-to-remember number makes it simple to get the mental health support and help needed immediately.
As a reminder, you and your household members can also give the GW EAP a call for free, confidential support and referrals for 24/7 in-the-moment support.
This information was brought to you by Resources For Living.
©2022 Resources For Living
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