U.S. Rep. Seth Moulton, who took part in the advancement of the new Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, is thrilled to see the emergency hotline finally rolling out.
Instead of dialing a 10-digit number, callers can simply call or text the numbers 9-8-8.
Moulton introduced the National Suicide Hotline Designation Act in 2019, and the bill was signed into law in 2020. He also served as co-leader of the 988 Implementation Act.
“This is a win for every American who has been affected by a mental illness,” said Moulton. “The United States is in a mental health crisis–made worse by two years of pandemic-induced trauma. We’re long overdue to provide this service to Americans looking for a reliable, free place to turn during mental health emergencies.”
The 988 Lifeline provides 24/7 trained confidential assistance.
According to Suicide Awareness Voices of Education (SAVE), suicide is the second leading cause of death for individuals aged 15-24 globally and the third leading cause of death for 15-24- year-olds in the United States.
Moulton, a Marine veteran who served four tours in Iraq, has dealt with his own mental health struggles in the form of post-traumatic stress disorder.
“People don’t know where to turn for help,” said Moulton. “Having an easy-to-remember number will solve that. And some people who do know where to turn are too embarrassed or scared to get help. The fact that people are having conversations about the 988 number, like me and you, helps chip away at the stigma. You need to know that you can get help. It will be completely confidential. They are not going to call the police or your parents, they’re not going to put your name on some list. I just want to see a lot of people get the help they deserve.”
“Mental health, substance abuse, and suicide have been so filled with stigma and shame, and it has kept people from reaching out for help,” said Dr. Dan Reidenberg, Executive Director of SAVE. “Having a number so easy to remember encourages and supports people reaching out for help. This new number provides access when somebody needs more support and more information. It adds to everybody having a role in preventing suicide.”
“The challenge that we have is that there’s not enough funding and people at this time to handle the capacity,” continued Reidenberg. “This tells us that Americans are hurting and need help. While it’s great we have this new number, there’s still a definite need for everyone to be a part of the solution.”
Reidenberg highlighted some different ways in which people can be part of the solution, such as donating to the 988 Lifeline or other mental health organizations, volunteering with a local crisis center, or even just continuing to have open conversations about mental health.
The original National Suicide Prevention Lifeline number 1-800-273-8255 will still remain available for anyone who chooses to utilize it.
If you or a loved one are experiencing a mental health crisis, call or text 988 for free classified support.
Dorothy Irrera can be reached at [email protected]
