988 is designated as the universal telephone number within the U.S. for suicide prevention and mental health crises. The 988 hotline operates by building directly on the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (Lifeline) and includes the Veterans Crisis Line. The Lifeline system operates 24 hours, 7 days per week to provide:
- Centralized network routing
- Backups and efficiencies
- Centralized quality assurance and operating standards
- Crisis services
- Effective reduction of emotional distress and suicidality (free and accessible to all, 24/7)
- Link to care, outreach services, and follow-up
- Care grounded in using the least restrictive intervention possible
Learn more about the 988 initiative and its implementation in Texas here.
