Beginning on July 16, 2022, the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (1-800-273-8255) will transition to the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. Ohioans who are experiencing a mental health or addiction crisis, and their family members, can call, chat, or text the 988 number to reach a trained counselor who can offer help and support.
Moving to the easy-to-remember, 3-digit number will provide greater access to life-saving services. The Ohio Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services (OhioMHAS) has been planning for this transition over the last 18 months to ensure Ohio is ready for 988.
988 builds on the existing National Suicide Prevention Lifeline system and will provide 24/7, free, confidential support to Ohioans in a behavioral health crisis. It is a direct connection to compassionate, accessible care and support for anyone experiencing mental health-related distress – whether that is thoughts of suicide, mental health or addiction concerns, or any other kind of emotional distress.
Research shows that most calls to the Lifeline can be managed and resolved through a consultation on the phone; however, if a person needs an emergency, in-person response, 988 counselors are trained to connect the person in crisis with a mobile response team, which may be a behavioral health team or first responder team (or a combination of both) who will meet the person at their place of crisis.
For Individuals
- Before July 16, 2022, continue to call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255.
- When you call, lifeline counselors are trained to reduce the stress of your challenge, provide emotional support, and connect you with local resources.
- If you or someone you know is in imminent danger, call 911. Familiarize yourself with the differences between 911 and 988 with this helpful “When to Call 911/When to Call 988” Fact Sheet.
- Begin conversations with staff in your agency about the transition to 988.
- Continue to provide the 10-digit number (1-800-273-8255) to clients until July 16.
- Begin to plan for incorporating 988 into your resource materials. SAMHSA has provided various communications and outreach materials to help communities understand what 988 is and how it will work at https://www.samhsa.gov/find-help/988/partner-toolkit. A national marketing campaign from the federal government is not expected this year.