Starting today, 988 will be used as the nationwide number for mental health crises and suicide prevention. The 988 dialing code will direct calls and texts to the existing National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (Lifeline), where compassionate, accessible care and support are available for anyone experiencing mental health distress - whether that is thoughts of suicide, mental health or substance use crisis or any other kind of emotional distress. People can also dial 988 if they are worried about a loved one who may need crisis support.

NAAPIMHA knows a readily accessible, culturally competent response system is an essential component of our nation’s strategy for mental health intervention and suicide prevention. Currently, Lifeline is administered in English and Spanish and uses Language Line Solutions to provide translation services in over 250 additional languages. Text and chat are currently available in English only. Additionally, Lifeline is in the process of expanding to video phone service to better serve deaf or hard of hearing individuals seeking help through the Lifeline/988. If monetary assistance is needed for telecommunications needs, please see www.fcc.gov/lifeline-consumers for more information.

To supplement these resources, NAAPIMHA offers its Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Behavioral Health Providers Directory for culturally-specific, in-language services which can be found on our website at: https://www.naapimha.org/aanhpi-service-providers.

Join us in spreading the word about 988 using our social media shareables, which were customized to represent the greater Asian American, Native Hawaiian, Pacific Islander community. Additional videos and translated materials are forthcoming.

For more information, go to: www.naapimha.org/post/988launch