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New York State Governor Kathy Hochul announced yesterday (July 13) the successful implementation of the 988 in the state as the new three digit number to call or text that will connect you to the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline.
The new 988 lifeline will be covered in all of New York’s 62 counties ensuring all New Yorker’s can be connected to a crisis center.
“Connecting people who are experiencing a mental health crisis or considering suicide to trained counselors can significantly help them through difficulties that seem insurmountable, and the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline provides hope and support to those who need it most,” Governor Hochul said. “By implementing 988, we are providing these individuals, as well as their families and friends, an easy-to-remember number that will give them access to the services they need.”
The 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline will be able to:
- Connect people experiencing a mental health or substance use crisis to a trained counselor who can address their immediate needs and help connect them to ongoing care.
- Reduce health care spending with more cost-effective early intervention.
- Reduce use of law enforcement, public health, and other safety resources.
- Meet the growing need for crisis intervention.
- Help end stigma toward those seeking or accessing mental healthcare.
