988 Goes Live in Oregon - And Across the Country

July 16, 2022 marked our country's transition to 988 as the easy-to-remember number to reach the existing National Suicide Prevention Lifeline. Now, people experiencing suicidal crisis or mental health0related distress can call can call 988 or text 988, or chat at 988lifeline.org. for 24/7 support.

988 offers access to trained crisis counselors who can help people experiencing suicidal, substance use and other mental health crises. And 988 serves as a universal entry point so that no matter where you live in the United States, you can reach a trained crisis counselor who can help.

AFSP Oregon is incredibly greatful to our local and national advocates who have help make this historic change possible. This is an important step in the fight against suicide.

What Happens When You Call/Text/Chat the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline?

• Call: When you call 988, you will first hear a greeting message with the chance to press 1 for the VCL, 2 for Spanish, or stay on the line while your call is routed to your local Lifeline network crisis center. Then a trained crisis counselor will answer the phone, provide support, and share resources if needed.
• Text: When you text 988 you will complete a short survey letting the crisis counselor know a little about your situation. You will be connected with a trained crisis counselor in one of the Lifeline’s crisis centers who will answer the text, provide support, and share resources if needed.
• Chat: Visit 988lifeline.org and find the chat button in the top right-hand corner of the screen. You will complete a short survey letting the crisis counselor know a little bit about your current situation. Then you'll see a wait-time message while you are connected with a trained crisis counselor who will answer the chat, provide support, and share resources if needed.

*Art Credit: Dustin Morris, Alaska Area Director for AFSP.