National Suicide Prevention Lifeline Transitions to 988

In 2020, Congress designated the new 988 dialing code to operate through the existing National Suicide Prevention Lifeline.

The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) is the lead federal agency,  in partnership with the Federal Communications Commission and the Department of Veterans Affairs, working to make the promise of 988 a reality for America. Moving to a 3-digit dialing code is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to strengthen and expand the existing National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (the Lifeline).

988 is more than just an easy-to-remember number—it is a direct connection to compassionate, accessible care and support for anyone experiencing mental health-related distress – whether that is thoughts of suicide, mental health or substance use crisis, or any other kind of emotional distress. Preparing for full 988 In pursuit of this bold yet achievable vision, SAMHSA is first focused on strengthening and expanding the existing Lifeline network, providing life-saving service to all who call, text, or chat via 988. Longer term, SAMHSA recognizes that linking those in crisis to community-based providers—who can deliver a full range of crisis care services— implementation requires a bold vision for a crisis care system that provides direct, life-saving services to all in need.

SAMHSA sees 988 as the first step towards a transformed crisis care system in much the same way as emergency medical services have expanded in the US. Developed in collaboration with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is essential to meeting crisis needs across the nation.

To help organizations consider when and how to develop public messages about 988, the National Action Alliance for Suicide Prevention (Action Alliance)—the nation’s public-private partnership committed to advancing suicide prevention and changing the conversation about mental health and suicide prevention—recently released the 988 Messaging Framework. The 988 Messaging Framework, developed in collaboration with a 988 Messaging Task Force co-led by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) and Vibrant Emotional Health (operational home to the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline), provides broad guidance for organizations about when and how to develop public messages about 988. As you develop 988 messages, University of Arizona encourages you to use this new resource to help inform your planning and to ensure our nation’s 988 messaging is strategic, aligned, and effective. To learn more, visit 988messaging.org. 

While this is an exciting time to reimagine how we provide crisis services in the U.S., the full vision of a transformed crisis care system with 988 at its core will not be built overnight. Transformation of this scale will take time, and we must all work together to make it happen. It is important that we speak with one voice about 988 to ensure a clear understanding of what it is and how it will work. As SAMHSA continues updating its partner toolkit and providing guidance on 988 implementations, we look forward to working with all of you to bring these critical services to our community.