National mental health crisis number is officially "988"
BOSTON -- The new national suicide prevention hotline is officially live Saturday. The line used to operate as a 10-digit number, now it is simply 988.
Callers will be able to speak with a crisis counselor.
Officials said the number is similar to 911 to help people think of it as an option for getting help in an emergency.
"If you're about to fall, reach out. We will catch you. That's what we want in 988. If you are willing to turn in to someone in your moment of crisis. We'll be there," said Secretary of Health and Human Services Sec. Xavier Becerra.
The hotline consists of previously existing call centers from around the country, including some in Massachusetts.
Samaritans Inc. has been running a hotline in the state for nearly 50 years. Chief Executive Officer and President of Samaritans Inc. Kathy Marchi said this change is "long overdue."
"This kind of access for behavioral health concerns is long overdue. And it's equating the emergency that one has in a mental health emergency with those who may be in an accident or a fire...there should be no shame in reaching out for a mental health emergency," said Marchi.
She added that her call center has been getting 7,000 calls a month, but now expects that to increase.
On the old hotline, one out of every six callers would hang up before getting to talk to anyone.