The Federal Communications Commission recently designated 988 as the universal telephone number for the purpose of the national suicide prevention and mental health crisis hotline system.
The new three-digit dialing code went live on July 16, 2022. The new number will connect the caller to the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline and will be available 24/7/365 for call, text and chat. The existing Lifeline number, 1-800-273-8255, will also continue to be available.
To support 988, the budget signed by Governor Murphy includes nearly $29 million for call line infrastructure and services to which some callers may be connected. The aim of 988 is to improve access to crisis services in a way that meets the country’s growing suicide and mental health related crisis care needs.
The 988 number will provide easier access to the Lifeline network – a national network of over 200 local, independent crisis centers equipped to help people in mental health related distress or experiencing a suicidal crisis. Some callers may be connected to services or other resource lines depending on their needs. The number will provide live crisis center calling service in English and Spanish and use Language Line Solutions to provide translation service in over 250 additional languages. At this time, the text and chat features are available in English only.
The 988 number is distinct from 911, which focuses on dispatching Emergency Medical Services, fire and police.
Numerous studies have shown that most Lifeline callers are significantly more likely to feel less depressed, less suicidal, less overwhelmed and more hopeful after speaking to a Lifeline crisis counselor.
The hope is that 988 will become the number to call when someone is experiencing severe emotional or mental distress.
Please share this information with family and friends. For more information about 988, visit state.nj.us/humanservices/dmhas/initiatives/988/.
** The Voorhees Breakfast Rotary Club is hosting the 15th Annual Community Service Awards Dinner on Thursday, Jan.18 from 6:00 to 9:15 pm at Lucien’s Distinguished Catering in Berlin. This year’s honorees are Luigi Epifanio, owner of San Remo Pizzeria, as Voorhees Businessperson of the Year, Aqil Khan as Voorhees Citizen of the Year, and Kaylyn Joesten, an Eastern High School student, as Voorhees Selfless Student of the Year. The cost to attend the event is $95 per person or $735 for a table of eight. Hors d’oeuvres will be served followed by dinner, dessert and the awards ceremony. Complimentary wine and beer will be available during the cocktail hour. Sponsorships are available. For more information, contact Nick Colanzi at 856-435-6200 x224 or VoorheesBreakfastRC@gmail.com
