written by Kay Klinkenborg, Church of the Palms UCC

“Anytime, any day in America, dial 988 to reach a mental health crisis worker” to talk about your feelings of despair, being suicidal or if you are a family member worried about someone you love. 988 is available to anyone experiencing mental-health related distress, substance abuse or any type of emotional distress.

The three digit..988..is easier to remember than the 10 digit crisis number that has been in existence for thirty years. Jim Dunn, Executive Director and CEO of the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) stated that the new 988 will be remembered: “even I can’t remember the 10 digit number after thirty years.”

The 800-273-TALK (8255) suicide hotline will remain in place. The Arizona Republic article stated this crisis phone number has been underfunded and often understaffed. The Biden administration boosted the Lifeline funding by $432 million, which includes $177 million to strengthen and expand the Lifeline infrastructure.