988

The Crisis Center of Tampa Bay has answered thousands of 988 calls since the launch, and CEO Clara Reynolds says emergency responders have only had to get involved about 2% of the time.

Mental health advocates say the numbers are encouraging, but there's more work to be done to build up state and local resources.

In a mental health crisis, a conversation with an empathetic listener can be live-saving. But when someone needs in-person help, there's a shortage of resources in many parts of the country.

Mental health advocates celebrated the launch of the 988 suicide line, but some people voiced concerns that using the service could lead to police involvement or forced hospitalization.

The 988 line is the centerpiece of a nationwide effort to unify responses to Americans experiencing mental health crises. But many people, especially in rural areas, will continue to find themselves far from help if they need more support than operators can offer.

Federal officials are grappling with how local teams staffing the national 988 lines will contend with suspicion of the medical establishment.

Racial and ethnic minority groups are most likely to live in impoverished areas, where homicide and suicide rates are highest. Mental health leaders hope the 988 phone number will be so easy to remember that they'll get help before it's too late.

Counselors in Florida have been preparing for the abbreviated number, which proponents say will be easier to remember in a crisis. They also hope it improves access to services, decreases unnecessary interactions with the police and saves lives.

Mental health advocates hope the new hotline will make it easier to get support if you're in crisis or helping someone who is. Here's how it works and what could stand in its way.