West Central Reporter

The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline’s new number allows people to call or text a trained mental health professional that’s been active since July.

“Those in need of mental health or suicide prevention assistance will no longer have to dial an 11-digit phone number to access professional help,” Sen. Jil Tracy wrote on Facebook. “A new three-digit code, 9-8-8, will now route callers and texters to the National Suicide Prevention and Mental Health Lifeline.”

USA Today reported if the professional feels like the caller is in danger, local authorities may be contacted.

The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline transitioned from a 10-digit phone number to 988 in July.

The change was authorized by a 2020 law called The National Suicide Hotline Designation Act, according to the FCC. 

USA Today also reported mental health activists are worried about the lack of services outside of law enforcement and the impact on communities of color.

“I have so much respect for the people that are working to create a system for support, and I do think that 988 is a really great opportunity to expand the resources available to people in need,” Trans Lifeline Director of Advocacy Yana Calou said to USA Today. “If 988 would route to … alternative, community-based supports like ours, that would really go a long way to making sure that people get to speak with the person that they need.”

The 10-digit number remains in operation. That number is 1-800-273-8255.

The 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline is a national network of more than 200 crisis centers.

For more information regarding the lifeline, visit its website.

According to CBS 2 Chicago, Illinois has struggled with crisis line calls, with many being redirected out of state, taking up time that a caller could be talking to someone about the issues they're facing.

The federal funding that came with implementing the 988 number could help Illinois catch more of the calls they're missing, say crisis line advocates.