Callers soon can dial 988 to connect to the existing National Suicide Prevention Lifeline’s network of trained call center professionals. The 988 number will be fully operational across Alaska and nationwide on July 16 and is the result of a 2020 congressional decision designating 988 as the dialing code to operate through the existing National Suicide Prevention Lifeline. Callers in Alaska who dial 988 from a 907-area code will be connected to Careline Alaska where a trained crisis counselor will provide confidential support 24/7.
Central Peninsula Hospital Behavioral Health Clinic Manager, Shari Conner, tells KSRM:
“So, 988 is a nationwide suicide prevention lifeline phone number. It will go nationwide on Saturday, July 16. People that are having a mental health crisis, or just need someone to talk to, can call, text, or chat 988 and have someone on the other end of the line that can give them support. They can provide them with resources within their community. it’s a great thing. It’s actually showing that not only people that have a physical injury or something that they would call 911 for, but we’re recognizing that mental health has a purpose, that people do need those type of same emergency services. 988 is now going to be the gateway for people to get there.”
Nationally, the suicide rate has climbed nearly 30% since 1999 and Alaska continues to have among the highest per capita suicide rates in the nation. 988 will help prevent suicide by expanding existing resources; its implementation is happening alongside large-scale system reform efforts to improve crisis response systems, mental health and substance misuse supports, as well as suicide prevention efforts.
According to the Alaska Department of Health, efforts to implement 988 in Alaska began in April 2021, with the Alaska Division of Behavioral Health leading a collaborative statewide planning process.
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NOTE: If you or someone you know is having thoughts of suicide, experiencing a mental health or substance use crisis, call the Lifeline at 800-273-8255 or the Alaska Careline at 877-266-HELP and starting July 16, you can also dial 988.
