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What is the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline?
The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (Lifeline) is a network of independent local and state call centers.
- It is not one large national call center.
- Lifeline is funded by the federal Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration and administered by Vibrant Emotional Health (Vibrant).
- Lifeline provides 24/7, free, and confidential support for people in distress, suicide prevention and crisis resources, and best practices for professionals.
- On July 16, 2022 the national three-digit number for mental health crisis and suicide response (988) was launched.
How Is 988 Different From 911?
988 is designated as the universal telephone number within the U.S. for the purpose of the national suicide prevention and mental health crisis hotline system operated through Lifeline.
- Centralized network routing
- Backups and efficiencies
- Centralized quality assurance and operating standards
- Crisis care service
- Effectively reduces emotional distress and suicidality (free and accessible to all, 24/7/365)
- Can link to care, outreach services, and follow-up
- Care is grounded in a focus of the least restrictive intervention possible
