A new three-digit number for the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline will be available on Saturday. Callers will be able to use 988 around the clock to make a direct connection to trained crisis counselors. All calls are free and confidential.
The new 988 phone number provides a 24/7 connection to trained counselors for anyone experiencing thoughts of suicide. 988 will provide easier access to the Lifeline network and related crisis resources, which are distinct from 911.
Moving to 988 does not mean the existing suicide prevention lifeline (1-800-273-8255) will go away. After July 16, 2022, both it and 988 will get callers to the same services.
Governor Pete Ricketts says almost all the calls made to 988 will be answered at Boys Town, the state’s partner in suicide prevention. The Boys Town National Hotline has provided crisis hotline services since 1989 and has been the Nebraska provider for the Suicide Prevention Lifeline since 2005.
In 2021, Boys Town handled 8,777 calls from Nebraskans. Their team de-escalated over 97% of callers to the Suicide Prevention Lifeline without requiring external emergency intervention.