988 National Suicide Prevention Lifeline
Text NATIVE to 741741 for Immediate Native American-Specific Help
By VIVIAN LaMOORE, STAFF WRITER
When your house is on fire, or someone you know is experiencing a heart attack, you do not hesitate to call 911. But when you are in an emotional/mental health crisis, what do you do? Beginning on July 16, 2022, you will be able to use a simple easy-to-remember three-digit number that will give you direct access to trained National Suicide Prevention Lifeline crisis counselors. All you need to do is call or text 988.
Suicide is the second leading cause of death for Native youth ages 10-24. The US suicide rate is up 33% since 1999, but for Native American women and men, the increase is even greater: 139% and 71%, respectively, according to an analysis from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's National Center for Health Statistics. A 2018 CDC report found Native American/Alaskan Native suicide rate was more than 3.5 times higher than those among racial and ethnic groups with the lowest rates.
Suicide is preventable. If you or someone you know is in crisis, you will be able to call or text to 988. The service is provided free to the caller, of any age, and will be available 24/7. Callers will be able to talk to a trained counselor on any emotional crisis, and is not limited to suicide. According to the Northwest Portland Area Indian Health Board, the crisis worker will use active listening to assess risk, determine if a person is in danger, and assist the person in feeling better and accessing resources. If the crisis worker believes the caller is in danger, they will work with the caller to create a safety plan that does not require calling emergency services. Community members will be able to receive confidential services during mental health emergencies with minimal involvement of police or hospitals.
According to the National Helpline website, the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (1-800-273-8255) will transition to the phone number 988. Moving to a 3-digit code will transform the way we can reach out for mental health help and support. The FCC selected the 988 number to elevate the awareness for mental health crisis response to the same level as calling 911 for other emergencies. It’s anticipated that 911 and 988 will quickly become the two most recognized and important phone numbers.
If you live in an area that does not have reliable phone call service, texting often works better. You can send a text to 988 to connect to a crisis worker. You can also text the word NATIVE to 741741 to give you access to a Native American-specific crisis worker. Of course, 988 may be an easier number to remember.
If you are struggling with emotional distress, experiencing suicidal thoughts, or if you are concerned about a family member or friend with a mental health or substance use issue, please call or text 988.