New 988 Nationwide Suicide Prevention and Mental Health Crisis Line Takes Effect Today

The Illinois Department of Human Services’ (IDHS) Division of Mental Health, in coordination with the federal Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), is expanding Illinois' mental health safety net by rolling out 988, a new, nationwide suicide prevention and mental health crisis line. The code will be available nationally as of today.

The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, which has existed since 2005, is now available nationwide via a three-digit dialing code – 988 – making it easier for those in crisis to get the help they need. Converting to this easy-to-remember number offers the public increased access to potentially lifesaving, trained crisis counselors. State and federal funding have made it possible to increase staffing at Illinois’ six existing 988 call centers to ensure that calls are answered in-state.

Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker said, “Thanks to the many incredible counselors answering the call to serve those in crisis, the expanded 988 Lifeline number will help save many lives.”

The 988 call and text line is a crucial first step toward ensuring SAMSHA’s three-part aspiration for our country: that over time, all Americans experiencing mental health crises have someone to call, someone to respond, and somewhere to go. The new code is a first step toward transforming crisis care in America, a universal entry point to needed crisis services in line with access to other emergency medical services.