State health officials are reminding residents of the new phone number for those facing a life-threatening mental health crisis.
The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline went live with the new 9-8-8 number last weekend. Acting Human Services Secretary Meg Snead says the shorter, easier number, will make a big difference.
“988 will connect people who are experiencing a mental health crisis or are considering suicide to trained, compassionate crisis response professionals who can talk through their situation over the phone, deploy mental health crisis teams to assist the person if they’re available in the caller’s area, or connect the caller to additional local resources,” Snead said.
The previous 1-800 number will also remain active.