The 9-8-8 telephone number will be operating by July 16, 2022 across the United States. Until its implementation, please use and pass on the current number for the Suicide Prevention Lifeline - 1-800-273-TALK.
The 9-8-8 number for mental health crisis should allow for a better, more targeted response to callers requesting for help. Typically, 911 calls are used for police, fire, or ambulance calls. The 9-8-8 system will allow more targeted help, as calls will be answered by people with special psychology and mental health crisis training. Overall, it's hoped that this change will improve the speed at which help can be provided by making the 3 purpose 9-1-1 and the 2 purpose 9-8-8 (suicide prevention and immediate-need mental health crisis).
Read about 911 and E911 Services Directly on the FCC Website
Trump signs law designating 9-8-8 as universal number for national suicide hotline starting in 2022 Sometimes the call volumes are higher than the volume of available local crisis centers are prepared for. Often times, in this case, the call will be forwarded to a close call center. Unfortunately, the separated system used by states (or municipalities) can make the direct offering of information to handle a call difficult. Approaching the 988 hotline in a manner where the national response is more consistent could make for a much smoother system. Deciding the type of vehicles that may response in addition to the 3 "emergency" types above could quickly lead help seekers to trust the response that they provided with. I'll be updating this section of my site over the course of the next 12 months while the response develops.Read my two Stellethee stories: Angel, Unassigned and Angel, Assigned, the latter discusses the 988 system.