Tomorrow, July 16, 2022, 9-8-8 will be activated across the U.S. All calls to 9-8-8 from Florida residents for assistance with suicide prevention and behavioral health crises will be directed by telecommunications companies to Florida’s 12 National Suicide Prevention Lifelines.
The introduction of 9-8-8 is an opportunity for Florida to strengthen its overall crisis response system. Because people are linked to services and supported the first time they call 9-8-8, money is saved from repeated hospitalizations and other acute care services. Calls made to 9-8-8 and not 9-1-1 can relieve law enforcement agencies from responding to the vast majority of behavioral health crises. 9-1-1 can still be used to bring a law enforcement response in high-risk situations. Collaboration between 9-1-1 and Florida's Lifeline centers is essential.
To learn more about 988 in Florida and access the 988 printable flyer, please click HERE.
We also want to provide you with additional resources from the APA website and SAMHSA’s Partner Toolkit. Also, the National Association of State Mental Health Program Directors (NASMHPD) has specific information for those who are involved in development of these new 988 centers.
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