988 helpline is here for you

THE SUICIDE AND CRISIS LIFELINE HAS A NEW NUMBER: 988.

It is 24/7, confidential support for people in distress, prevention and crisis resources for you or your loved ones.  Call or text 988 or chat at 988lifeline.org

What is 988 and how does it work? 

The 988 dialing code is a free 24/7 confidential resource designed to expand the current National Suicide Prevention Lifeline. Each caller will be redirected to their state or local mental health crisis center. 988 can either be dialed or texted. There is also a crisis chat box available on the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline website. If a 988 call is unanswered after three minutes, callers will be connected to the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline backup affiliate network. 

Utah Crisis Line

Who can use 988? 

The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline will accept calls from anyone in a suicidal, mental health, or substance use crisis. 

How will this support Utah residents? 

Utah callers will be connected to the Utah Crisis Line.  The Utah Crisis Line is staffed by certified and trained crisis workers at the Huntsman Mental Health Institute. 988 call services are available in Spanish and interpretation services are available in more than 150 languages. 

The phone extension line 1 can be used to reach the Veterans Crisis Line. 

The phone extension line 2 can be used to reach the Spanish Language Crisis Line. 

Prior to accessing the online 988 chat box, individuals may need to complete a short survey about their crisis. Afterward, they will be connected to a trained and certified crisis counselor through a secure online platform. 

What is the history of 988? When did 988 go live nationally? 

The Federal Communications Commission staff first proposed 988 to Congress in August 2019. In October 2020, the National Suicide Hotline Designation Act of 2020 was passed. The 988 dialing code went live on July 16th 2022. 

How is 988 being funded? 

The Department of Health and Human Services workforce received funding through the American Rescue Plan. Some of the funding from the American Rescue Plan will be used to support the 988 workforce.