988 Launch in Illinois
July 16, 2022
Today, we recognize the State of Illinois and many partners on being part of the national launch of 988. This new 3-digit code for a Suicide and Crisis Line is built to make it easier to find help during a mental health emergency. You can call or text 988 from any phone to reach a compassionate mental health counselor.
988 complements many other existing mental health programs like NAMI Chicago’s Helpline. Our Helpline is not part of 988, and is available 7 days a week at (833-626-4244) to help people find the right mental health resources for themselves or someone they love. The general emergency line, 911, is also still available for all kinds of crises.
While 988 and 911 are both 3-digit dialing codes, the two lines work differently. 988 call takers are trained mental health counselors whose main job is to spend time with the caller and provide emotional support. In comparison, 911 call takers are emergency dispatchers whose main job is to find out what is going on and deploy police, fire, or ambulance. 988 can also call for in-person emergency personnel, but experts predict that more than 80% of 988 calls will be handled only on the phone.
At NAMI Chicago, we see today as the first step towards a larger vision. What would it look like for every Illinoisian experiencing a mental health emergency to have access to a safe, timely and appropriate mental health response – and then get follow-up care to help them stay well?
We also know the larger context: in Illinois and nationwide, our mental health system is in fragments and running on fumes. The 988 crisis line can only be successful if it has adequate funding and infrastructure. And it can only provide real help if it can link people into a network of other mental health services in the community. We have a lot more work to do in Illinois to make these things possible.
NAMI Illinois and NAMI Chicago are leading advocacy across the state to build a strong system to respond to mental health emergencies. Our goal is to make sure our 988 call centers always have the resources they need to answer the call, be well-trained and truly connect people to long-term support. That means government funding - not just for this year, but for every year in the future. It means tough coordination work to make sure 988 can work together with mobile mental health crisis responders, take calls diverted from 911, and more. It also means investing in better in-person crisis services, like mental health-focused alternatives to emergency rooms.
Join us in recognizing the State of Illinois in launching this incredible new resource in 988. But join us, too, in advocating for that system to continue getting better - and for a future where everyone can get the mental health support that they deserve.
To learn more, contact Rachel Bhagwat, Director of Policy, at rachelb@namichicago.org.