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On July 16th, the United States makes the transition to a new 988 Suicide Prevention Lifeline. Replacing the old 10-digit National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, the goal is to provide better mental health services nationwide. hence, by replacing the old 10-digit number with an easy-to-remember 3-digit number, suicide prevention help becomes easier to access.

Moreover, as before, the new 3-digit number provides 24/7 crisis care. In 2021, the Suicide Prevention Lifeline received 3.6 million calls, chats, and texts. With the transition to 988, the number of contacts is expected to double in the next year. As a provider of mental health services, Tarzana Treatment Centers (TTC) understands the need for such a transition. Indeed, the national crisis is extreme, and statistics do not lie.

Suicide Prevention Lifeline and Mental Health Statistics

With one death by suicide every 11 minutes in 2020, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the people of the United States needs all the help they can get. In addition, did you know that suicide was the second leading cause of death, after accidental drug overdoses, for young people aged 10-14 and 25-34? Given such frightening statistics, TTC recognizes the need for mental health service options.

With U.S. Veterans also in crisis, the suicide prevention lifeline also links to the Veterans Crisis Line. According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, this linking of services is part of a joint effort by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), Federal Communications Commission (FCC), and the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). The goal is to make crisis care more accessible for people in need.

Federal Strategy for the Nation’s Mental Health Crisis

As part of President Biden’s strategy to address the mental health crisis, suicide prevention is a main priority. Therefore, the National Suicide Lifeline Designation Act, signed into law after the passage of bipartisan legislation in 2020, helps to realize this priority.

The act authorizes 988 as a new three-digit number for suicide and mental health crisis. As part of the initiative, all telephone service and text providers in the U.S. and the five major U.S. territories are required by the FCC to activate 988 no later than July 16.

As detailed by Secretary Xavier Becerra of Health and Human Services:

“988 is more than a number, it is a message: we’re there for you. Through this and other actions, we are treating mental health as a priority and putting crisis care in reach for more Americans. There is still much work to do. But what matters is that we’re launching, 988 will be live. We are looking to every governor and every state in the nation to do their part to make this a long-term success.”

For example, the new suicide prevention line offers a new sub-network for Spanish language speakers. As a nonprofit provider of healthcare services to underserved communities, TTC knows how much this advance will help. Moreover, the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline is a network of more than 200 state and local call centers. Also, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) provides support for and guidance to these call centers.

Suicide Prevention and Veterans

The connection of the new Suicide Prevention Lifeline with the Veterans Crisis Line makes perfect sense. As a provider of recovery services for Veterans, TTC underscores the importance of this decision. Moreover, Veterans Administration Secretary Denis McDonough explains, “988 has been a long time coming and will serve as a critical resource during a crisis when every second counts. The new, shorter number will help ensure Veterans have easier access to the Veterans Crisis Line. This launch is a whole-of-government approach in line with the President’s call to prioritize mental health by strengthening access to crisis services, and preventing Veteran suicide, our top clinical priority.”

In light of the VA’s partnership with the Suicide Prevention Lifeline, the Veterans Crisis Line is now more accessible as well. Hence, Veterans and their loved ones can now Dial 988, then Press 1 to reach the Veterans Crisis Line. When someone is in a mental health crisis, everything is hard. The new 3-digit access number makes accessing help easier.

If you or a loved one is experiencing a mental health crisis, please do not hesitate to act. Beyond using the 3-digit access number, you also can contact TTC and access help today.