988 Crisis and Suicide Lifeline

In 2020, the nation took a significant step forward with the enactment of the National Suicide Hotline Designation Act, a bill that created a nationwide three-digit number (988) to assist people experiencing a mental health or suicidal crisis. This number will be available in communities across the country by July 16, 2022. Until July 2022, anyone in mental health crisis or emotional distress should continue to call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (1-800-273-8255).

While an easy-to-remember number is important, we need more than a number. We need crisis response services that provide a mental health response to mental health crises. Mental health advocates across the country have the power to demand that the crisis standard of care be offered in every community, to every person who needs it. You can help by making legislators aware of both the problem — our inadequate crisis system — and the solution.

Take action now, and you can enter to win a signed snare drum from Cold War Kids or a signed microphone from Big Boi