988 Day: More Than a Number—A Lifeline

Every year on September 8, we recognize 988 Day—a day dedicated to raising awareness of the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline and reminding our communities that help is available when life feels overwhelming.

The message is simple: You don’t have to wait until the worst moment to reach out.

What is 988?

The 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline provides free, confidential support 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. You can call, text, or chat 988 to connect with a trained crisis counselor.

988 is available for people experiencing suicidal thoughts, but it is not limited to suicide. You can reach out when you are struggling with emotional distress, a mental health or substance use crisis, or when you are worried about someone you care about.

You don't have to decide whether what you're experiencing is "bad enough." If you need support, you can reach out.

988, 911, or 211?

Knowing which number to use can make it easier to take action when something is happening.

988 — Mental Health & Crisis Support
Call or text 988 when you or someone you care about is experiencing emotional distress, suicidal thoughts, a mental health crisis, or a substance use crisis.

911 — Immediate Emergency Response
Call 911 when there is an immediate threat to someone's life or safety that requires emergency medical, fire, or law enforcement response.

211 — Community Resources & Basic Needs
Call 211 when you need help finding local services such as housing, food, transportation, healthcare, financial assistance, or other community resources.

You Can Contact 988 for Someone Else

One of the most important things to know about 988 is that you don't have to be the person in crisis to use it.

If you're worried about a friend, family member, student, coworker, teammate, or neighbor and aren't sure what to say or what to do next, you can contact 988 yourself. A crisis counselor can help you think through the situation and identify next steps.

Sometimes helping someone begins with asking for help yourself.

Vulnerability Can Be an Action

During Suicide Prevention Month, we talk a lot about breaking stigma. One of the ways we do that is by being willing to acknowledge that life can be hard.

Vulnerability doesn't require sharing everything with everyone. It can be as simple as saying:

"I'm having a harder time than people realize."

"I don't know what I need, but I don't want to be alone with this."

"I'm worried about someone and I don't know what to do."

Those moments of honesty give other people an opportunity to respond.

And when someone shares that vulnerability with us, we don't have to have the perfect words. We can listen. We can stay present. We can ask directly about suicide when we're concerned. And we can help connect them with support.

Make Sure the People in Your Life Know 988

Today, for 988 Day, take one small action.

Save 988 in your phone. Talk about it with your family. Share it with your coworkers. Make sure the young people in your life know what it is. And remember it yourself—not only for a crisis, but for those moments when you're simply unsure what to do next.

Call, text, or chat 988.

Because knowing where to turn can make it easier to take the next step—and sometimes that next step is everything.