T-Mobile Rolls Out 988 Mental Health Emergency Hotline
T-Mobile customers can now access a new mental health emergency hotline, available 24/7 every day, just by dialing 988 on their cellphones. When called, the lifeline number is routed directly to the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, a network of approximately 180 local- and state-funded crisis centers.
Designed to be a public utility, “The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline provides free and confidential emotional support to people in suicidal crisis or emotional distress 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, across the United States. The Lifeline is comprised of a national network of over 180 local crisis centers, combining custom local care and resources with national standards and best practices.”
In an interview about the new 988 number on NPR’s All Things Considered, The Trevor Project’s vice president of advocacy and government affairs, Sam Brinton, explained that, “988 is going to be simple because it’s going to remind us of 911. And just like we may call 911 to help a neighbor who may be having a heart attack or if we see a car accident, if we are having a mental crisis or our friends or our loved ones are, we’ll know who to call.”
“A national three-digit number will make it far easier for millions of Americans to reach out for help and get immediate connection to care when they’re experiencing a mental health or suicidal crisis,” furthers Kimberly Williams, president and CEO of Vibrant Emotional Health, who operates the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline. “Most importantly, 988 will help save lives.”
In a statement published by the FCC, “on July 16, 2020, the FCC adopted rules to establish 988 as the new, nationwide, 3-digit phone number for Americans in crisis to connect with suicide prevention and mental health crisis counselors. The rules require all phone service providers to direct all 988 calls to the existing National Suicide Prevention Lifeline by July 16, 2022. During the transition to 988, Americans who need help should continue to contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline by calling 1–800–273–8255 (1–800–273-TALK) and through online chats. Veterans and Service members may reach the Veterans Crisis Line by pressing 1 after dialing, chatting online at www.veteranscrisisline.net, or texting 838255.”
Continuing, the statement reads that, “they provide for a two-year transition, reflecting the real challenges of this nationwide effort, including the need for widespread network changes and providing time for the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline to prepare for the expected increase in the volume of calls.”
With rising cases of Covid-19 and lockdown measures in place, rates of mental health related incidences have risen dramatically as well. In addition to the pandemic related affects, the CDC reports that 1 in 5 adults live with a mental health condition.
“Giving our customers a quick connection via 988 to trained mental health care professionals was a priority for us because it could save lives,” said T-Mobile’s Executive Vice President and Chief Technology Officer Abdul Saad. “Making 988 available to our customers was a matter of urgency for us, particularly as the COVID-19 pandemic continues and the holiday season approaches. And it’s particularly meaningful to launch this during November as we recognize the contributions and acknowledge the sacrifices of our military veterans. I’m proud that T-Mobile is doing our part to help get this lifesaving tool in the hands of those who will benefit from it.”
If you are experiencing a mental health emergency, contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline by calling 1–800–273–8255 (1–800–273-TALK).
