988 - A Pathway to Hope

Too many people are experiencing suicidal crisis or mental health-related distress without the support and care they need. The pandemic has made a that situation worse. On July 16, 2022, the former 800-number for the Suicide Prevention Lifeline is changing to the much-easier-to-remember 9-8-8, a variation of the 9-1-1 emergency line. The 988 Lifeline is a national network of over 200 local, independent crisis centers equipped to help people in mental health-related distress or experiencing a suicidal crisis via call, chat, or text. The 988 Lifeline provides free and confidential support to people in suicidal crisis or mental health-related distress 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, across the U.S. It's being touted as a step toward transforming mental health care in the U.S., though that is a huge project that will take much more time and resources. In this episode we revisit an interview with the Lifeline's director, Dr. John Draper, who talks about how reaching out to a lifeline can help.