MONROE — A three-digit National Suicide Prevention Lifeline goes into effect this weekend. 988 has been designated as the new three-digit dialing code that will route callers to the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline. While some areas may be currently able to connect to the Lifeline by dialing 988, this dialing code will be available to everyone across the United States starting on July 16, 2022.

When people call, text, or chat 988, they will be connected to trained counselors that are part of the existing National Suicide Prevention Lifeline network. These trained counselors will listen, understand how their problems are affecting them, provide support, and connect them to resources if necessary.

The current Lifeline phone number (1-800-273-8255) will always remain available to people in emotional distress or suicidal crisis, even after 988 is launched nationally.

The Lifeline’s network of over 200 crisis centers has been in operation since 2005, and has been proven to be effective. It’s the counselors at these local crisis centers who answer the contacts the Lifeline receives every day. Numerous studies have shown that callers feel less suicidal, less

depressed, less overwhelmed and more hopeful after speaking with a Lifeline counselor.

The new 988 is being added to other nationwide three-digit numbers including 911 for emergency services, 411 for information, 611 for landline repair or cellphone customer service, 711 for the Telecommunications Device for the Deaf or TeleType Phones, and 811 for Diggers Hotline.

Last October, 10-digit calling became mandatory across the country — the result of the creation of the three-digit National Suicide Prevention Lifeline. Dialing 1 for long-distance numbers is generally not required for cellphone calls; whether it is required for landline calls depends on the phone company.