NY Set to Launch Suicide & Crisis Line July 16 – NBC New York (47)

“Connecting people who are experiencing a mental health crisis or considering suicide with trained counselors can significantly help them overcome seemingly insurmountable difficulties, and the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline provides hope and support to those who need it most,” he said. Hochul in a statement. “By implementing 988, we are giving these people, as well as their family and friends, an easy-to-remember number that will give them access to the services they need.”

The 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline will help callers in many ways, including:

• Connect people experiencing a mental health or substance use crisis with a trained counselor who can immediately address their needs and connect them to ongoing care;
• Provide more affordable early intervention;
• Reduce the use of law enforcement, public health, and other security resources;
• Help end stigma towards those seeking or accessing mental health care.

There are currently 13 988 Crisis Contact Centers in operation in New York State and two in development.

“988 Lifeline will further strengthen New York’s crisis response system by connecting people experiencing a behavioral health crisis with trained counselors who can provide immediate assistance and access to services,” said Bureau Commissioner Dr. Ann Sullivan New York State Mental Health, in a statement. “People can also call 988 if they are concerned about a loved one who may need crisis support. Governor Hochul has made 988 implementation a top priority and has provided the necessary resources to successfully launch the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline.”

The Federal Communications Commission called for 988 to be the new number for the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, and the National Suicide Hotline Designation Act became law in October 2020.

In total, between 2005 and 2020, the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline received a total of 20,478,698 calls.

988 is not yet active throughout the United States. If you or someone you know is in crisis right now, call 1-800-273-TALK (8255) to connect with the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline or visit www.988lifeline.org or the Vibrant Emotional Health Safe Space for digital resources.

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