Native and Strong Lifeline
Call 988 and Press 4
988 Day on 9/8
What It Is
988 Day is a day to create positive buzz around the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline and its related activities across the country.
Goal
Raise awareness of 988 in fun and creative ways, beginning an annual tradition on September 8.
Call to Action
On September 8, use the message “No Judgment. Just Help.” to positively promote 988.
Download the 988 FactSheet PDF by Clicking HERE
The Lifeline and 988
988 is now the three-digit dialing code that routes callers to the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline (or 988 Lifeline). On July 16, 2022, the 988 Lifeline transitioned away from the National Suicide Prevention Line reached through a 10-digit number to the three-digit 988 Lifeline. It is funded by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) and administered by Vibrant Emotional Health (Vibrant).
When people call, text, or chat with the 988 Lifeline, they are connected to trained crisis counselors who are part of the existing 988 Lifeline network, made up of over 200 local crisis centers. These crisis counselors are trained to provide free and confidential emotional support and crisis counseling to people in suicidal crisis or emotional distress and connect them to resources. These services are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, across the United States.
Why create the Native and Strong Lifeline?
In 2020, non-Hispanic American Indian and Alaska Native people in Washington had a 34 percent higher suicide rate than the rest of the population. The COVID-19 pandemic further exacerbated the barriers to care that Native communities face. As a result,
during the pandemic, American Indians experienced higher suicide and overdose attempt rates—at least two times higher than that of non-Natives.
How to contact:
To reach the Native and Strong Lifeline, call “988” and press 4.
Calls are answered by Native crisis counselors who are Tribal citizens and descendants closely tied to their communities. They are fully trained in crisis intervention and support, with special emphasis on cultural and traditional practices related to
healing. The Native and Strong Lifeline offers a new way of healing that centers the lived experiences, traditions, and wisdom of Native people.
The Native and Strong Lifeline is confidential, free, and available 24/7.
When to contact
Contact the Native and Strong Lifeline if you or a loved one is experiencing:
- Thoughts of suicide
- Mental health crisis
- Substance use concerns
- Any other kind of emotional distress
Talk To Someone Now : Lifeline (988lifeline.org)
What Happens When I Call The Lifeline?
First, you’ll hear a message telling you that you’ve reached the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.
We’ll play you a little hold music while we connect you.
A skilled, trained crisis worker who works at the Lifeline network crisis center closest to you will answer the phone.
This person will listen to you, understand how your problem is affecting you, provide support, and share any resources that may be helpful.
To read a more detailed explanation of what happens when you call the Lifeline, and more, click HowOurCallsAreRouted-InfographicsRefresh (988lifeline.org)
Remember, your call is confidential and free.
Should I Call The Lifeline?
No matter what problems you’re dealing with, whether or not you’re thinking about suicide, if you need someone to lean on for emotional support, call the Lifeline.
People call to talk about lots of things: substance abuse, economic worries, relationships, sexual identity, getting over abuse, depression, mental and physical illness, and loneliness, to name a few.
Talking with someone about your thoughts and feelings can save your life.
How to offer support and awareness for families and providers: