988: 3-Digit Mental Health Crisis Line Goes Live May 31

There once was a time when we did not have 911 for emergencies. Before that time, it was more difficult for people to know how to get in contact with emergency services and getting in touch took more time; and time is crucial in emergency situations. For years now, 911 has been a standard that creates more safety, faster responses, and better help.

For many years, behavioral health advocates and experts have pushed for a three-digit number for mental health, substance use, and suicide crises. The hope being, this number for mental health crises would eventually be as well-known as 911 is for medical emergencies. And, like 911, it wouldn’t be just a number, but a well-funded, interconnected emergency system for behavioral health crises.

In July 2020, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) announced a nationwide three-digit number that would “effectively establish ‘988’ as the ‘911’ for mental health emergencies.”

The new 3-digit number, 988, is a new number for the existing National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (NSPL). In Michigan, the majority of calls to 988 will be answered by Michigan Crisis and Access Line (MiCAL) in partnership with NSPL. This ensures at least 90% of the calls from Michigan are answered by the MiCAL call center in Michigan.

In Michigan, 988 is being rolled-out by regions. Region 5, which includes Jackson and Hillsdale counties, will go live May 31, 2022, with all of Michigan going live by October, 2022.