As the need for mental health services grows, those experiencing a mental health crisis can dial just a simple three-digit number, 9-8-8, for the Suicide Prevention Hotline. By dialing 9-8-8, a trained mental health professional will be available, 24 hours a day. The service becomes effective on Saturday, July 16.
The bipartisan National Suicide Designation Act was passed by Congress and signed into law by President Trump in September 2020.