988 - The 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 hopelessness 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 deeply grateful for this initiative because “988” is easy to remember, which becomes especially important when you are in crisis.

988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline

(614) 221-5445 Central Ohio Suicide Prevention Hotline

(614) 276 2273 Netcare Access Crisis Line for Franklin County

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