Press Releases

Rep. Barry Loudermilk (R-GA) issued the following statement regarding the activation of the new Suicide & Crisis Lifeline number: 988.

“Individuals suffering from mental health issues need a number to call in order to get the help they desperately need immediately, which is exactly why the 988 number was established after Congress passed the National Suicide Hotline Designation Act in 2020, during President Trump’s administration. This new number, officially activated last month, will allow those suffering from mental health issues to get help from trained mental health professionals instead of relying only on law enforcement. If you are struggling from a mental health issue, please text or call 988.”

Background

• Starting July 16, 2022, when calling 988, callers first hear a greeting message while their call is routed to the local Lifeline network crisis center (based on the caller’s area code).

• A trained crisis counselor will answer the phone, listen to the caller, find out their issue and how it’s affecting them, provide support and share resources if needed.

• If the local crisis center is unable to take the call, the caller will be automatically routed to a national backup center. The Lifeline provides live crisis phone services in English and Spanish and uses Language Line Solutions to provide translation services in over 250 additional languages, for people who call 988.

• A list of frequently asked questions can be found here.