In an emergency, most know to call 911, but not as many know when to call 988.
Officials in one Bay Area county want that to change.
Since 2022, 988 has been the suicide and crisis lifeline. That number is a simplified version of what many called a difficult number to remember.
People are encouraged to call if they’re experiencing thoughts of suicide, experiencing mental health-related distress, worried about the mental well-being of a loved one or need emotional support.
On the other end of the line are staff and volunteers trained to help.
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“They’re mental health community workers, so they have a background in behavioral health services,” said Bruce Copley, director of Access and Unplanned Services at the Santa Clara County Behavioral Health Services Department. “Many of the volunteers have family members or themselves that have been involved with mental health issues, so they come with a sensitivity.”
In its first year, the Santa Clara County crisis line answered nearly 20,980 calls.