What is 9-8-8 and How Does it Work?

People can call or text 988 or chat at 988lifeline.org for themselves or if they are worried about a loved one who may need crisis support. 988 serves as a universal entry point so that no matter where you live in the United States, you can reach a caring, trained counselor who can help.  

988 offers 24/7 access to trained crisis counselors who can help people experiencing mental health-related distress.  

• Thoughts of suicide
•  Mental health or substance use crises 
• Emotional distress 

Hope Has a New Number: 988

Introducing 9-8-8 allows Florida to strengthen its overall crisis response system. 

Because people are linked to services and supported the first time they call 9-8-8, money is saved from repeated hospitalizations and other acute care services. 

Calls made to 9-8-8 and not 9-1-1 can relieve law enforcement agencies from responding to most behavioral health crises.

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