The new universal three-digit dialing code for suicide prevention and mental health crisis is 988;
\nthis special code went into effect nationwide on July 16, 2022. SAMSHA (the Substance Abuse
\nand Mental Health Services Administration of the US Dept of Health and Human Services) will
\nadminister the new \u201c988\u201d Suicide and Crisis Lifeline,\u201d which will replace the current toll-free
\nNational Suicide Prevention Lifeline 1-800-273-TALK which will remain active and connect
\ncallers to the new 988 Lifeline.<\/p>\n
The 988 Lifeline is a national network of over 200 local, independent crisis centers equipped to
\nhelp people in mental health-related distress or experiencing a suicidal crisis via call, chat, or
\ntext. The 988 Lifeline provides free and confidential support to people in suicidal crisis or mental
\nhealth-related distress 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, across the U.S.<\/p>\n
This new tool is critical for older adults and those living with a disability because such
\nindividuals are at greater risk for mental health crisis and suicide. Suicide rates are higher
\namong older adults as SAMSHA pointed out in its Appropriations Report for 988. Among men,
\nthe suicide rate is highest for adults aged 75 and older; in women, the suicide rate is highest
\namong those ages 45 to 64.<\/p>\n
Helpful tips about using Lifeline:
\n\u2022 After dialing 988, a caller in need of the Veterans Crisis Line can press \u201c1\u201d to be routed
\nto that resource, while a caller in need of assistance in Spanish can press \u201c2.\u201d
\nInterpretation through Language Line Solutions is also available in over 250 other
\nlanguages.
\n\u2022 People who are deaf or hard of hearing can dial 711 then 1-800-273-8255 or use their
\npreferred relay service.
\n\u2022 People can call or text 988or chat at org for themselves or if they are worried about a
\nloved one who may need crisis support.
\nFor more information, please see the following resources:
\n\u2022 SAMSHA, \u201c988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline\u201d
\n\u2022 National Suicide Prevention Lifeline
\n\u2022 Health Affairs, \u201cImplementing The 988 Hotline: A Critical Window to Decriminalize
\nMental Health\u201d
\nSource: 988 Key Messages\/ SAMHSA<\/p>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
The new universal three-digit dialing code for suicide prevention and mental health crisis is 988; this special code went into effect nationwide on July 16, 2022. SAMSHA (the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration of the US Dept of Health and Human Services) will administer the new \u201c988\u201d Suicide and Crisis Lifeline,\u201d which will […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":3,"featured_media":62744,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[42,40],"class_list":["post-64246","retirement","type-retirement","status-publish","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-living-healthy","category-successful-retirement"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"\n