988 hotline is going live. What is it for?

A crucial life line for people in crisis goes active this weekend. All you have to do is dial 9-8-8.

For emergencies, people know to call 911. Now, 988 is the number to call for people experiencing mental health, substance abuse or suicide crises. The new 988 hotline goes live on Saturday, July 16, 2022.

It’s a national program that builds upon the long-existing National Suicide Prevention Lifeline. Before, though, callers had to dial a 1-800 number to reach that hotline. Now it will be just three numbers. Callers will be routed based on their area code.

In Washington, lawmakers approved a new 988 tax on telephone lines in 2021. The funds support the expansion of call centers in the state. Some of that money will also help fund a specific tribal crisis line to serve Native American communities.

Callers to 988 will be able to connect by phone or text. The service will also be available in Spanish and in other languages through interpreters. All calls are confidential.

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