By ERIC AMOH July 16 marks one year since our nation transitioned to 988, the easy-to-remember, nationwide mental health crisis helpline.
This number connects callers with the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline (formerly known as the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline).
Congress designated 988 in 2020 and as a part of the federal government’s commitment to addressing the mental health crisis in America, unprecedented federal resources have been invested to scale up crisis centers in support of 988.
988 is confidential, free, and available 24/7/365, connecting those experiencing a mental health, substance use, or suicidal crisis with trained crisis counselors.