988—The New National Suicide Hotline Number

“I want to kill myself”.  When I hear these words my entire being shifts into a different awareness and attention state.  My years at the Suicide Prevention Service Hotline in Columbus, Ohio taught me to shut up and listen.  Often, our callers had been socially and emotionally isolated for far too long.  Most callers needed someone who listened well, someone who could also respond in a manner that let them know that they were heard and understood.  The caring voice of a stranger was comforting enough to enter a conversation instead of following the feelings of hopeless- and helplessness. 

On Thursday, December 12th, 2019, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) in Washington, “started the process of designating 988 as a new, nationwide, 3-digit number for a suicide prevention and mental health crisis hotline.  This designation will help ease access to crisis services, reduce the stigma surrounding suicide and mental health conditions, and ultimately save lives.”*  

  I am grateful for this initiative because “988” is easy to remember, which becomes especially important when you are in crisis.  In addition, this proposal underlines that mental health emergencies are worthy to receive equal recognition as all other emergencies, which in itself will help reduce stigma attached to mental health issues.  I am hopeful that this will become reality.

  Alas, it will take another 18 months before the FCC’s planning process might become reality.  Until then, I believe I would be amiss signing off without mentioning a few of the currently available Suicide and Mental Health Care hotline numbers in Columbus, Ohio.  All that are mentioned here are free, anonymous, and open 24/7.

  (614) 221-5445 (614) 276 2273 1 (800) 273 8255

Suicide Prevention Services Netcare Access The Franklin County Suicide Prevention Coalition

*Source: https://www.fcc.gov/document/fcc-proposes-988-suicide-prevention-mental-health-hotline