On July 16th, 2022, 988 became the national three-digit dialing code for suicide prevention, mental health and substance use crisis. The 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, responds to calls, chats and texts 24 hours per day, every day of the year across the United States. The original Lifeline number (1-800-273-TALK/8255) continues to be operational.

People experiencing suicidal, mental health and/or substance use crisis can call or text to 988, or chat at https://988lifeline.org/chat from anywhere in the U.S. or its territories. Contacting 988 allows easy access to the Lifeline network which provides de-escalation and support as well as linkage to mental health and/or substance use services.

Help is available through 988 to anyone having thoughts of suicide, a mental health or substance use crisis, or any kind of emotional distress. The Lifeline also assists people who are worried about a loved one or friend who is in crisis.

988 does NOT replace 911. It is a different and additional statewide community service.

911 is focused on public safety and will dispatch the fire department, police and Emergency Medical Services, as needed. If someone is in immediate danger, if there is a fire or a crime, if someone has already hurt themselves and needs immediate medical care, call 911.

988 allows easy access to the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline network which provides de-escalation and support as well as linkage to mental health and/or substance use services and other services as needed. If someone is having suicidal thoughts or is experiencing a mental health or substance use crisis, call 988.

The goal of 988 is to reduce the need for police involvement and instead connect individuals in mental distress with counselors equipped in crisis intervention. When you call 988, you will be connected to a trained crisis counselor who will ask you to describe your crisis, provide support, and share resources if needed. Data shows that about 80% of calls to the Lifeline are resolved over the phone, without further intervention.Lifeline crisis counselors do not have the ability to identify who you are or where you are located. If it is determined that someone requires an emergency response, the call will be transferred to 911 to ensure the safety of the individual and the public.

Calls to the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline are answered by trained counselors at over 200 local crisis centers around the country. In New Jersey, there are 5 local Lifeline centers that respond to people in crisis. Trained crisis counselors offer compassionate care and support for anyone accessing the Lifeline.

This is a link to general information from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) which oversees 988 for the Federal government.

988 Frequently Asked Questions | SAMHSA

• June 2022 Quarterly Provider Meeting: 988 A Status Report (state.nj.us)
• September 2022 Quarterly Provider Meeting: PowerPoint Presentation (state.nj.us)
• September Statewide System Update
• March 2023 Quarterly Provider Meeting: PowerPoint Presentation (state.nj.us)
• SAMHSA 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline
• The Promise of 988: Crisis Care for Everyone, Everywhere, Every Time