Livingston Township: Call 988 For Mental Health Emergencies

Press release from the Livingston Township:

July 11, 2022

Call 988 for Mental Health Emergencies

The Federal Communications Commission recently approved a new 3-digit dialing code, 988, for mental health crisis and suicide prevention.

The 988 line will operate 24 hours a day, 7 days a week for calls, texts and chat beginning on July 16, 2022.

988 Fast Facts

• 988 will be confidential, free, and available 24/7/365, connecting those experiencing a mental health, substance use, or suicidal crisis with trained crisis counselors.
• Access is available through every landline, cell phone, and voice-over internet device in the United States.
• 988 call services will be available in Spanish, along with interpretation services in over 150 languages.
• The 988 dialing code will be available for call, text, and chat by July 16, 2022. Until then, those in crisis should continue to use 1-800-273-8255, which will continue to function even after the transition.
• The nationwide transition to 988 as a three-digit call, text, and chat line is just the first important step in reimagining crisis support in the U.S.

Additional Information and Resources

Visit the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline page of the NJDOHS Division of Mental Health & Addiction Services

Visit the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline website

Visit the Substance Abuse & Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) 988 Frequently Asked Questions page

View the SAMHSA 988 Fact Sheet (PDF)

This press release was produced by the Livingston Township. The views expressed here are the author’s own.