988 mental health hotline up and running

Everyone knows to call 911 in an emergency. However, those operators aren’t always trained to handle a mental health crisis. To address this, a new national hotline, the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, recently launched to connect those experiencing suicidal, substance use and/or a mental health crisis with trained crisis counselors that can provide direct, life-saving services.

988 is built off the previously known National Suicide Prevention Lifeline number (800-273-8255) which continues to work. In Georgia, officials are preparing for the rollout by increasing staff and funds for the much-needed counseling services.

Visit online for frequently asked questions and more information.

– MaryGrace Williams, 360 Media, Inc.