SAMHSA adds tools to help promote 988 crisis line launching July 16

The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration has expanded its toolkit to help health care providers and others prepare for the July 16 launch of 988, the new phone number for anyone experiencing suicidal thoughts or a mental health or substance use crisis to speak, text or chat with a trained crisis counselor. The toolkit includes key messages, fact sheets, public service announcements, downloadable wallet cards, posters and other resources. SAMHSA also plans to add social media tools and make the print materials available for ordering from the SAMHSA store. Authorized by the National Suicide Hotline Designation Act of 2020, 988 will operate through the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline’s network of over 200 crisis centers.