9-8-8 is emerging as the 9-1-1 of behavioral health, and like the rollout of 9-1-1 will take many years to reach full capacity. It is one of the largest federally mandated crisis response transformations in decades designed to meet the rising needs of mental health, substance abuse disorders and suicide interventions.
Georgia's Department of Behavioral Health & Developmental Disabilities is leading the planning process and implementation of 9-8-8 in Georgia. Moving to a 3-digit dialing code is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to strengthen and expand the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline. Establishing 9-8-8 for suicide prevention and behavioral health crises will make it easier for Georgians in crisis to access the help they need and decrease the stigma surrounding suicide and mental health.
The 9-8-8 dialing code will be available for call, text or chat on July 16, 2022. Callers will be connected to a trained staff member who can help address immediate needs and connect the callers to care resources, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year.
For more information, please visit 988GA.org.