Michelle Fortune is the CEO of St. Luke’s Hospital in Columbus, North Carolina.

Most of us know to call 911 in case of an emergency. Some of us know to call 811 before we dig holes in our yard to avoid disrupting underground utilities. But how many of us know to call 988?  

Recently, I was at an NC Healthcare Association meeting, and leadership from the 988 National Line presented the data on how few Americans are aware of the 988 number and its services. In a room of healthcare professionals, the e-poll showed that less than 25% of the room was deeply informed about the services 988 provides. I learned many things about this exceptional resource that day, and I want to share that knowledge with you.

The 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline (formerly the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline) is a national network of local crisis centers providing free and confidential suicide and crisis lifeline. If you or someone you know is in crisis, 988 is here to help. 

In 2020, Congress designated the 988 dialing code to operate through the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline. Today, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) believes 988 is the first step in transforming the crisis care system in America. Since its beginning, the 988 Lifeline has been immersed in several programs to strengthen crisis services, including public messaging, best practices in mental health, and innovative coalitions. 

WHAT TO EXPECT

When you call 988, you’ll hear a short greeting, followed by music, until you connect to a trained crisis counselor. When texting 988, you’ll complete a brief survey that gives your crisis counselor background information on your circumstance. Your counselor will reply to your message.

Once connected, you and the counselor will converse, giving the counselor a deeper understanding of your experiences. The counselor can then provide support, work through solutions to improve how you feel, and connect you with resources for long-term support. Don’t wait to call 988.

GETTING INVOLVED

We all have a role in preventing suicide, and Lifeline has plenty of opportunities to get involved. The first and most important role we can play is to raise consciousness about mental health and suicide prevention. Share with others the 988 number and encourage usage of it!

The 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline is ground zero for mental health care within each county across the country. These centers are a safety net and may even serve as the last resort for those at serious risk. The Lifeline network depends on community volunteers to support people in crisis. Learn more and get involved.