Dial 988: New Suicide Hotline Launches July 16

Starting Saturday, July 16, people can dial 988 to reach the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline.

The new three-digit hotline is a faster way to reach the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline and is easier to remember than the existing 10-digit number, 1-800-273-8255. It will help expand much-needed services and make them more accessible to people seeking help, according to many mental health professionals.

“On July 16, our country enters a new era of crisis services,” Mauren Iselin, a spokesperson for the National Action Alliance for Suicide Prevention, said at a news conference Thursday, July 7.

Like with the existing lifeline, a person will be connected with a trained mental health professional at a local or regional crisis center after dialing or texting 988. National backups can pick up the call if the local center cannot connect a person to a counselor.

The lifeline is administered by the nonprofit Vibrant Emotional Health.