The existing National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is a 10-digit number — 1-800-273-TALK — and it has seen a rise in call volume in recent years.
Still, the number isn't easy to remember or dial in times of crisis, says Gebbia. "When you're in crisis and you're already emotionally upset, the hardest thing to do is find the number that's a 10-digit number and call it."
A three-digit number makes it a lot easier. "When there are other emergencies, we know 911," he says. "It's ingrained in our heads — we don't have to think about it."
He and other mental health advocates think the new 988 number will become similarly widely accepted and used.
A national three-digit number will make it far easier for millions of Americans to reach out for help and get immediate connection to care when they're experiencing a mental health or suicidal crisis," says Kimberly Williams, president and CEO of Vibrant Emotional Health, the organization that runs the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline. "Most importantly, 988 will help save lives." Read full article.