Washington's 988 Crisis and Suicide Lifeline marks 2nd anniversary as advocates call it pillar for mental health support

By Chrissy Booker / The Columbian, Vancouver, Wash.

July marks the two-year anniversary of the launch of Washington’s 988 Crisis and Suicide Lifeline, an initiative advocates say has become a pillar for mental health support.

The launch of 988 in Washington was part of a national effort to improve the response to suicide and behavioral health crises. Since then, the three-digit number has remained an accessible resource for those seeking help. As many as 8,600 people call a month, and another 2,100 people text the lifeline. Dialing or texting 988 immediately connects a person to a network of counselors who are trained to help during a suicidal or mental health crisis. The 988 crisis line is confidential, free and available 24/7.

State Rep. Tina Orwall, D-Des Moines, originally introduced House Bill 1477 to implement 988 in Washington, in partnership with Sen. Manka Dhingra, D-Redmond. Over the years, Orwall has remained an advocate for the continued expansion of 988.

Orwall said having a three-digit number separate from 911 is especially important, as law enforcement response is not always necessary for someone going through a mental health crisis.

https://www.heraldnet.com/news/washingtons-988-crisis-and-suicide-lifeline-marks-2nd-anniversary-as-advocates-call-it-pillar-for-mental-health-support/