A new suicide and crisis lifeline went into effect Saturday where people in need can simply call or text 9-8-8.

The lifeline is active 24 hours a day and 7 days a week and offers free and confidential help.

According to The 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline website, “9-8-8 is being recommended as a universal, easy to remember, three-digit mental health and suicide prevention number to connect people who are struggling to the help they need.”

Orange County Health Department Director Quintana Stewart gave Chapelboro a statement about the need for the 9-8-8 number in the local community.

“9-8-8 is such a valuable resource for the Orange County community, and we need it!” Stewart said. “Our community has seen an increase in mental health crisis the last couple of years. Unfortunately we’ve seen more lives lost to suicide and, as recent as 5 days ago, a murder suicide incident. 9-8-8 will provide a resource people can call 24/7 when everything around them seems dark and hopeless.”

When someone contacts the lifeline their call will be directed to their closest crisis center within the lifeline network. Then, a “skilled, trained crisis counselor” will work with the caller to best provide support for their situation.

Online chat and text messaging are also options with the line line. After the user completes a survey about their needs they will be redirected to a crisis counselor.

The lifeline launched January 1, 2005 from the U.S. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) and Vibrant Emotional Health.

Calls to the previous National Suicide Prevention Lifeline number, 1-800-273-8255, will now be rerouted to 9-8-8.

UNC students have access to a 24-hour phone line through Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) which can be reached at 919-966-3658. The Trevor Project’s crisis line for LGBTQ+ youth can be reached at 1-866-488-7386. The Trans Lifeline Hotline can be reached at 1-877-565-8860.

To see more local resources, click here.

 

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