988 – The Three Cs To Make The Three Digits Work

The new three-digit, national “988” number for suicide prevention is now live, connecting consumers who are suicidal or in a mental health crisis to behavioral health provider organizations (see 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline). And while the build up to this resource has been much anticipated (see The Ramp Up To 988), there are already concerns. Some mental health activists see the new number as “too close” to 911, and could result in intervention by authorities without the caller's consent or cooperation (see New 988 Hotline Draws Criticism That It Could Lead To A Police Response, But Advocates . . .