Buckelew Suicide Prevention Program
What is 988?
988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline is the new national three-digit number for mental health, substance use and suicidal crises. Buckelew Programs Suicide Prevention program operates one of these 200 crisis call centers across the United States for anyone experiencing suicidal thoughts or any level of emotional distress 24/7, at the critical time they need help.
When someone calls 988, a trained counselor from a local crisis center, such as Buckelew’s Crisis Hotline, is there to listen, understand how their problems affect them, provide support, and connect them to local resources if necessary. People call to talk about many different things: substance abuse, relationships, sexual identity, depression, mental and physical illness, financial concerns and loneliness, to name a few. Numerous studies have shown that callers feel less suicidal, less depressed, less overwhelmed, and more hopeful after speaking with a Lifeline counselor.
988 is designed as an alternative to our current national emergency response system, 911. While 911 focuses on dispatching Emergency Medical Services, fire and police as needed, 988 provides free, confidential emotional support to callers.
For more detailed information, see How 988 Calls Are Routed.
