Beginning in Mid-July, Dial 988 for the Mental Health Hotline

Photo caption: Later this summer, people will be able to call, text or online chat the number 988 to connect with mental health counselors. Photo credit: Pexels. Article by Sarah Kuta. Smithsonian Magazine – June 13, 2022.

Since 2005, individuals experiencing mental health crises in the United States have had to call a 10-digit phone number to connect with someone who can help. Soon, they’ll be able to dial a much shorter code in times of crisis: 988. Starting July 16, the new national mental health hotline number will go into operation. The shorter code is intended to be easier to remember, like dialing 911 for emergencies, which officials hope will make mental health help more accessible overall. […]

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