988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline Launches July 16th 2022

Starting July 16, 2022 people in mental health crisis will have a new way to reach out for help. Instead of dialing the current 10-digit National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, they can simply call or text the numbers 9-8-8.

Modeled after 911, the new 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline is designed to be a memorable and quick number that connects people who are suicidal or in any other mental health crisis to a trained mental health professional.

Users who dial 988 from the 808 area code will reach the Hawaii Department of Health’s Hawaii CARES (website not updated yet) crisis helpline, with access to crisis services, including suicide prevention, mental and emotional health support and substance abuse support. (People who call 988 from other area codes will be connected with a crisis center in another state.)