MAYS LANDING – The NJ Department of Human Services, Division of Mental Health and Addiction Services is announcing that starting on July 16, 2022, New Jerseyans as well as the nation will be able to use 988 to reach the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline on all phones including mobile and landlines.
988 will be available for call, text, or chat to those experiencing mental health-related distress including thoughts of suicide, mental health or substance use crisis, or those looking to help a loved one through a crisis. The existing Lifeline number, 1-800-273-8255, will continue to be available.
DHS is working with state Office of Information Technology to establish protocols for bi-directional transfers between 911 and 988. These protocols are expected to be put in place later this fall. Until then, 911 dispatchers may contact 988 call specialists as they deem appropriate. 988 call specialists will direct calls to 911 where appropriate. 988 does not have its own mobile crisis response capability at this time. 911 dispatchers should continue to use mobile crisis resources available to them at this time.
Assistant Commissioner Valerie Mielke of the Division of Mental Health and Addiction Services has created a 988 presentation that provides an overview of the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline that is available along with other information on the program at the DHS’ website: https://www.nj.gov/humanservices/dmhas/initiatives/988/
Additional Links
988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline – Brochure English: https://www.nj.gov/humanservices/dmhas/initiatives/988/988brochureENG.pdf
988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline – Brochure Spanish: https://www.nj.gov/humanservices/dmhas/initiatives/988/988brochureSP.pdf
988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline – Wallet Card – English and Spanish: https://www.nj.gov/humanservices/dmhas/initiatives/988/988walletCard.pdf
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