988 is emerging as the 911 of behavioral health, and like the rollout of 911 will take many years to reach full capacity. It is one of the largest federally mandated crisis response transformations in decades designed to meet the rising needs of mental health, substance abuse disorders, and suicide interventions.
 
Georgia’s Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities is leading the planning process and implementation of 988 in Georgia.

Moving to a 3-digit dialing code is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to strengthen and expand the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline. Establishing 988 for suicide prevention and behavioral health crises will make it easier for Georgians in crisis to access the help they need and decrease the stigma surrounding suicide and mental health. 

What is 988?
988 is a direct, national three-digit line that connects individuals with suicide prevention and mental health crisis resources. 988 calls, texts and chats in Georgia are answered by the Georgia Crisis and Access Line (GCAL), 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. 

Why does 988 Matter?
The ongoing rollout of 988 has become a critical tool to address our state’s needs. From 2021-2022, Georgia experienced a slight decline in suicides in urban areas, but rural suicides have consistently increased. As of fall 2023, rural Georgia continues to place a higher percentage of crisis calls by population compared to their urban counterparts. Overdose-related deaths in Georgia also have increased steadily; from 2018 to 2021, the number of overdose-related deaths in Georgia increased by approximately 76%.

How is 988 different from 911?
988 was established to improve access to crisis services in a way that meets our country’s growing suicide and mental health-related crisis care needs. 988 provides easier access to the Lifeline network and related crisis resources, which are distinct from the public safety purposes of 911 (where the focus is on dispatching Emergency Medical Services, fire and police as needed).

How are communities being engaged in the rollout of 988 in Georgia?
Engaging diverse communities across our state has been an essential aspect of rolling out 988 in Georgia and a key directive of SAMHSA’s nationwide rollout. Click here to learn more.

Resources
 

Dial 988. It's ok to not be ok. A lady looks up with a smile.

Calling 988: What you need to know
 

  1. How Does 988 Work?
    Here’s what to expect:
    When calling 988, callers first hear a greeting message while their call is routed to the local Lifeline network crisis center (based on the caller’s area code).
    A trained crisis counselor will answer the phone, listen to the caller, understand how their problem is affecting them, provide support and share resources if needed.
    If the local crisis center is unable to take the call, the caller will be automatically routed to a national backup crisis center. The Lifeline provides live crisis center phone services in English and Spanish and uses Language Line Solutions to provide translation services in over 250 additional languages for people who call 988.
     
  2. When to Use 988
    IF YOU OR SOMEONE ELSE IS IN CRISIS, YOU CAN CALL OR TEXT 988 OR VISIT 988LIFELINE.ORG

    The 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline (formerly known as the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline) offers 24/7 call, text and chat access to trained crisis counselors who can help people experiencing suicidal, substance use, and/or mental health 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.

    -OR-

    You can still access these numbers for help as well:
  • The Georgia Crisis and Access Line: 1-800-715-4225
  • The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-8255

    Note: If you’re having a medical emergency, a safety emergency requiring law enforcement or a fire emergency, DIAL 911
Dial 988. You are not alone. A grandfather gives his grandson a piggyback ride.