988 is the new lifeline code for people in mental health crisis

People in Minnesota and other states can dial 988 starting Saturday to get mental health crisis support.

Anyone who calls or texts the code will reach the same trained crisis counselors they’d get by dialing the longer National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, 1-800-273-TALK (8255).

The shorter code is modeled after 911, which is used throughout North America for emergencies.

“Supporting mental health is a critical public health need, and one of the best ways we can do that is to make it as easy as possible for people to get the help they need when they need it,” Minnesota Commissioner of Health Jan Malcolm said in a news release. “Our hope is that 988 can be an easier way for people experiencing mental health crises to get support quickly.”

The code works at all hours of the day, and an online chat feature also is available.

Minnesota has four call centers staffing the lifeline, but there are more than 200 nationwide that can provide backup if the in-state centers are busy.

Chat and text help is available only in English, but interpretation services are available by calling the number.

For crisis support specific to veterans, dial 988 and then press 1.

State health officials called the code “an important step to help reduce suicide,” which kills roughly 750 Minnesotans each year – about five times the number who die by homicide.Related Articles

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