988 is the national three-digit phone number for all mental health, substance use, and suicide crises, as of July 16, 2022.

988 provides Alabama with the unique opportunity to fully integrate and intentionally align the state’s crisis system design and service delivery – linking individuals directly to critical services: someone to call, someone to respond, and somewhere to go.

988 is more than just an easy-to-remember number—it’s a direct connection to compassionate, accessible care and support for anyone experiencing mental health-related distress – whether that is thoughts of suicide, mental health or substance use crisis, or any other kind of emotional distress. People can also dial 988 if they are worried about a loved one who may need crisis support.

988 calls are routed to the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline centers in each state. 988 offers rapid access to behavioral health support through connection with trained crisis specialists.

988 is interwoven into the Alabama Crisis System of Care, as the first step and response in a crisis.

988 offers an opportunity to decouple policing from a mental health or substance use crisis. 988 is a vital resource for people experiencing a mental health emergency.

988 is a robust crisis system that can de-escalate mental health crises and connect individuals to the most appropriate care. With 988 as the first component of our system, we hope to see:

  • A change in the community response to behavioral health crises
  • A decrease in suicides and other poor mental health outcomes
  • A reduction in health care spending and use of law enforcement with more cost-effective early intervention

 

When should you call 988?

Anyone in need of crisis support for themselves or someone else should call 988. Veterans can push 1 for direct access to specific assistance.

In Alabama, calls are answered by centers right here in the state. The call centers are located at AltaPointe Health in Mobile; in Birmingham at JBS in collaboration with The Crisis Center Birmingham; in Dothan with SpectraCare Health Systems; and in Huntsville at WellStone.

 

 

Click for screen reader friendly PDF version of chart
This chart from the National Alliance on Mental Illness demonstrates problems that exist and how 988 offers solutions that coordinate with crisis care programs and services.

How does it work?

When someone calls, chats, or texts 988, they are connected to a crisis specialist who is trained and prepared to deliver support to anyone experiencing a crisis. Because a crisis is defined by the person or family experiencing it, the crisis specialist addresses the person’s unique concerns and needs.

The conversation may include assessment, stabilization, referral, and follow-up for individuals at high risk for suicide and/or poor mental health outcomes. If a higher level of care is needed, the crisis specialist works with the caller to connect them to a mobile crisis response team to respond to the person in the community, inform them of the nearest Crisis Center or relay the call to emergency responders, if needed.

Alabama's 988 Commission

The purpose of the 988 Comprehensive Behavioral Health Crisis Communication System Commission (typically called the 988 commission), created by Act 2021-359, is to study and provide recommendations for the implementation of the 988 system to enhance and expand behavioral health crisis response and suicide prevention services, as required by Public Law No: 116-172. Read the 988 Commission Report.

While 988 is available nationally, each state will continue to work to ensure crisis services are adequately funded and available to its citizens. Alabama's 988 Commission is continuing to develop a long-term 988 plan for the sustainment of 988.