New Suicide and Crisis Lifeline: 988 

New Suicide and Crisis Lifeline: 988

On May 11, 2022, SAMHSA introduces the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline (988). This new national hotline is the central topic of the second webinar offered in their free May webinar series held during National Health Month. The 988 – What's on the Horizon webinar will also address suicide prevention for youth and the BIPOC community, in addition to touching on substance use.

In 2020, Congress designated the new 988 dialing code to be operated through the existing National Suicide Prevention Lifeline. SAMHSA sees 988 as a first step toward a transformed crisis care system in America.

There was one death by suicide every 11 minutes reported in the US in 2020. Suicide is a leading cause of death for people aged 10-34 years.

But there is hope. Providing 24/7, free and confidential support to people in suicidal crisis or emotional distress works. The Lifeline helps thousands of people overcome crisis situations every day.

LifeRing will provide more public announcements and personal stories during National Awareness Months throughout the year.

Help us help others. Your donations support people in crisis through LifeRing weekly check-in and focus meetings, our 24/7 eGroups,, and our LifeRing Community. Thank you!

For other ways you can contribute to LifeRing, please consider being a LifeRing Volunteer or a LifeRing Convenor.

– Copy Credit:  Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA)