988, the newly updated suicide and crisis lifeline phone number, has gone into effect in the United States. Easier to remember than the old 10-digit National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, the three-digit number comes from President Biden's initiative to "address our nation's mental health crisis" and is being led by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). In 2020, the National Suicide Hotline Designation Act was signed into law, which authorized 988 as the new number. The nationwide number connects individuals directly with mental health professionals.
988 & Oklahoma
In Oklahoma, 988 took effect in early July, with the deadline to have it up and running being July 16th. With "1 in 10 students attempting suicide in the past 12 months" and around "300 Oklahomans being admitted for urgent care or crisis mental health services," Oklahoma is working on creating an effective system to help the needs of Oklahomans.
By dialing 988, a mental health professional will talk and guide the caller through what they are going through and offer support and resources. If situations require it, the 988 call centers will dispatch Mobile Crisis Teams to "deescalate crisis situations." When this occurs, "70% of crisis situations can be resolved at this touchpoint." The Mobile Crisis Teams partner with various mental health centers in Oklahoma including CREOKS, Red Rock Behavioral Health, and Central OK Community Mental Health Center. In the video below, Carrie Slatton-Hodges, a Oklahoma Department of Mental Health & Substance Abuse (ODMHSAS) Commissioner, explains Oklahoma's Comprehensive Crisis Response and the role of 988.
If individuals need more in-depth care, Oklahomans will be provided transportation by either law enforcement or a private transportation service to arrive at an Urgent Care and Crisis Center. These centers "offer accessible mental health and substance abuse care where people can stabilize and receive professional help." The centers are specific care centers that offer crisis interventions, and a list can be found here. For more information on Oklahoma and 988, visit 988oklahoma.com.
In order to get 988 available nationwide, the Federal Communications Commission had to adopt rules to establish it. The FCC "regulates interstate and international communications" and is "responsible for implementing and enforcing America's communication laws and regulations." The FCC, for example, made 911 the "universal emergency number," which has similarities to 988. While they're not the same in purpose, they have the same function.
The 911 System
In 1999, the Wireless Communication and Public Safety Act went into effect. It made 911 the universal emergency number in order to improve public safety. The FCC consistently takes steps to update the network on a regular basis. Fun Fact: 911 is also the emergency number for Canada!
OSU Library Resources
The OSU Library offers more information and resources to learn more about SAMHSA and the FCC.
- Federal Efforts on Mental Health
- About the FCC: A Consumer Guide to Our Organization, Functions, and Procedures
- FCC Declares 911 to be Universal Emergency Number
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