The new, three-digit National Suicide Prevention Lifeline will be available in the Garden State starting July 16.
That’s according to Human Services Commissioner Sarah Adelman, who announced the 988 number will be available for anyone experiencing thoughts of suicide, or a mental health or substance use crisis.
“We are excited for the rollout of 988 in NJ and nationwide. Its launch marks an important milestone in timely access to mental health services and we believe 988 can help save lives,” said Adelman.
Mental Health Help
“988 is more than just an easy-to-remember number. It will be a direct connection to accessible and compassionate support and resources, available 24/7 to anyone experiencing psychiatric or emotional distress or those worried about a loved one. Anyone experiencing a mental health crisis will only need to remember these three numbers to reach trained counselors who can help,” the commissioner added.
The 2023 fiscal budget will allocate $22.95 million for suicide prevention, with a $16 million grant for the new hotline, reported NJ Spotlight News (July 8).
The 988 number will be available for call, text, or chat starting this Saturday, providing easier access to the Lifeline network. The national network is comprised of over 200 local, independent crisis centers equipped to help those in need.
Easier Access to Lifeline Network
Callers may be connected to services or other resource lines depending on their needs. The program is currently active under the 1-800-273-8255 number in New Jersey, and that number will remain active after the launch of the 988 number.
The Lifeline network will continue to provide services in English and Spanish, and use Language Line Solutions to provide translation services in over 250 additional language.
The text and chat features will be available in English only, and all support will remain free and confidential.
Improved Outcomes Under Lifeline
Numerous studies have found that Lifeline callers are significantly more likely to feel less depressed, less suicidal, less overwhelmed, and more hopeful after speaking with a counselor.
“The transition to 988 will help expand access to critical mental health services and ensure we are connecting individuals in distress with the most adequate assistance,” said Valerie Mielke, Assistant Commissioner for the Department’s Division of Mental Health and Addiction Services. “We know the Lifeline makes a difference, and with an easier number to call, text or chat, we hope more people in need of support for themselves or loved ones will reach out for help.”
Suicide is a leading cause of death for people between the ages of 10 and 34, with the U.S. having one death by suicide every 11 minutes in 2020. In New Jersey specifically, 778 lives were lost to suicide and 239,000 had thoughts of suicide in the last year.
“These stats represent real people in need of help. Just like 911 is widely known, we hope 988 will become ubiquitous as the number to call when someone is experiencing severe emotional or mental distress,” added Adelman.
It’s a stupid idea, a waste of money and time, no one’s going to use it and it just diverts resources from better uses elsewhere. Suicides are going to go up. Because all government programs that are intended to solve complex social problems like this always and everywhere fail and have the exactly opposite effect from what is intended