988 has been designated as the new three-digit dialing code that will route callers to the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline. While some areas may be currently able to connect to the Lifeline by dialing 988, this dialing code will be available to everyone across the United States starting on July 16, 2022. 

When people call, text, or chat 988, they will be connected to trained counselors that are part of the existing National Suicide Prevention Lifeline network. These trained counselors will listen, understand how their problems are affecting them, provide support, and connect them to resources if necessary.

988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline
The resources and information through the link above are designed to help states, territories, tribes, mental health and substance use disorder professionals, and others looking for information on understanding the background, history, funding opportunities, and implementation resources for strengthening suicide prevention and mental health crisis services. 988 goes live on all devices on July 16, 2022.

988 Crisis Response State Legislation Map
With 988 available nationwide by July 16, 2022, it is up to states to ensure there are crisis services—24/7 local crisis call centers, mobile crisis teams, and crisis stabilization options—so 988 callers actually receive the help they need.

Model state legislation is available for policymakers and advocates to change the way their community responds to people in a mental health crisis. The model legislation also includes a new funding mechanism for states to create a monthly fee on all phone lines—similar to how communities fund 911—to ensure that 988 funding is sustainable and that these emergency services will not experience any funding gaps. To protect against fee diversion, the model bill requires 988 fees to be deposited in a trust fund that can only be used in support of the 988 crisis response system.

Learn about what 988 implementation legislation is moving in statehouses across the country.