988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline is one of the largest federally-mandated crisis response transformations in decades. It is designed to meet the rising needs of mental health, substance abuse disorders and suicide interventions across the country.  988 will, over an extended period of time, become as commonly used as 911, providing appropriate mental health crisis response for all Georgians.

911 began in the 1960s. It took thirty years to have 93% of the US population covered by 911 and it continues to evolve. We will take lessons learned from the 911 implementation: build capacity and staffing over time, with a focus on technology and infrastructure.

For more information on 988 you can also check out the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) FAQs: https://www.samhsa.gov/find-help/988/faqsmake it easier for Georgians in crisis to access the help they need and decrease the stigma surrounding suicide and mental health.