Abby Hoover
Managing Editor

On July 16, 2022, the newly designated three-digit number, 9-8-8, will route individuals in Missouri to the existing National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, where compassionate, accessible care and support are available around the clock for anyone experiencing a mental health, suicide, or substance use crisis.

The 988 line is confidential and free for all, and available in English or Spanish. The Lifeline number, 1-800-273-8255, will continue to function. After July 16, 2022, both numbers will connect individuals to the same services.

In 2020, Congress designated the new 988 dialing code to be operated through the existing National Suicide Prevention Lifeline. The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) sees 988 as a first step towards a transformed crisis care system in America.

“The launch of the 988 crisis line will establish a more streamlined and effective resource for Missourians in behavioral health crisis,” Missouri Governor Mike Parson said. “We know that when individuals are experiencing crisis the sooner we can connect them to support and provide assistance the better. The launch of 988 is an important step in addressing the mental health crisis and saving lives.”

There are seven crisis centers in Missouri responsible for answering 988 contacts for the state. The trained crisis specialists at each center will listen, work to understand how the individual’s problems are affecting them, provide support, and connect them to resources. Crisis specialists will also have the ability to dispatch mobile crisis response teams for additional crisis response wherever the crisis is occurring in the community and based on the needs of the person.

“The Missouri Department of Mental Health is seizing this opportunity to advance current crisis services towards an evidence-based care continuum prepared to deliver high-quality behavioral health services statewide,” said Director Valerie Huhn. “Providing consistent crisis care and support will be integral to reducing the burden on and misuse of law enforcement/emergency response and other public health services.”

While 988 is a national initiative, it is up to each state to ensure crisis services are available to anyone, anywhere, and anytime. After nearly two years of planning and preparation, Missouri’s 988 centers are prepared and ready to answer the projected 253,000 contacts (calls, texts, and chats) expected in the first year of the 988 implementation.

In 2020, the U.S. had one death by suicide every 11 minutes. Suicide is a leading cause of death for people aged 10-34 years, according to SAMHSA.
“It’s exciting,” said Amanda Rosenbaum-Oude Alink, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker at University Health (UH) Behavioral Health. “Hopefully, it will give people less stigma and an opportunity to call a three digit number that’s answered locally here in the community.”

Calls will be answered locally by ComCare, a nonprofit that answers for several community mental health centers in the area.

“It’s answered by licensed clinicians, and so it’s just trying to get the right help to the individual at the right time,” Rosenbaum-Oude Alink said. “Anyone can call, it’s not just the suicide prevention number. It’s also anyone in crisis, so it could be something’s going on, maybe mental illness, maybe increase of alcohol or drugs, anyone, and you don’t just have to be suicidal. It’s also for those that are in crisis.”

UH gets a record of every call that’s answered, and if there’s an individual that can’t be resolved over the phone, UH does have the option of mobile response.

“Right now we just have it during the daytime where clinicians can go out there and assess the situation, hopefully preventing them from unnecessary [emergency department] visits and hospitalizations by bringing the right intervention to that individual in the community,” Rosenbaum-Oude Alink said.

Rosenbaum-Oude Alink recommends looking for signs of crisis like increase of alcohol or drug use, withdrawal or isolation, giving away belongings and more.

“If you are with someone who’s suicidal, you definitely want to talk to them,” Rosenbaum-Oude Alink said. “Listen to them. Don’t leave them. If it’s something that’s going on and you don’t feel comfortable, definitely call 988 and try to get a trained professional to help and support you while you’re with that person.”

UH is hoping to expand to 24/7 mobile response with the 988 line, which would increase response by mental health professionals, trying to not involve first responders as much as possible by bringing trained professionals into the community.”

With safety in mind, mental health professionals respond in pairs to assess the situation and bring the right intervention into the community. The goal is to minimize stigma and trauma during the response.

“Right now, there is an increase in the younger population, as well, but then we’re also seeing an increase in call volume from those individuals 65 and older,” Rosenbaum-Oude Alink said. “It doesn’t always necessarily reflect that they’re suicidal, but they’re in some sort of crisis situation.”
Need to talk or get immediate help in a crisis? Help is available. If you or a loved one need assistance, please reach out by calling or texting 988, or chatting at https://988lifeline.org/.