988 is a direct, national three-digit line that connects individuals with suicide prevention and mental health crisis resources.

988 calls, texts and chats in Georgia are answered by the Georgia Crisis and Access Line (GCAL), 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year.

The ongoing rollout of 988 has become a critical tool to address our state’s needs. From 2021-2022, Georgia experienced a slight decline in suicides in urban areas, but rural suicides have consistently increased. As of fall 2023, rural Georgia continues to place a higher percentage of crisis calls by population compared to their urban counterparts. Overdose-related deaths in Georgia also have increased steadily; from 2018 to 2021, the number of overdose-related deaths in Georgia increased by approximately 76%.

988 was established to improve access to crisis services in a way that meets our country’s growing suicide and mental health-related crisis care needs. 988 provides easier access to the Lifeline network and related crisis resources, which are distinct from the public safety purposes of 911 (where the focus is on dispatching Emergency Medical Services, fire and police as needed).

Engaging diverse communities across our state has been an essential aspect of rolling out 988 in Georgia and a key directive of SAMHSA’s nationwide rollout. Click here to learn more.