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Suicide is the 12th leading cause of death in the United States, according to the National Institute of Mental Health. It is the second cause of death for younger Americans, ages 10 to 34. The American Academy of Pediatrics says this growing mental health crisis disproportionately affects Youth of Color and LGBTQIA+ youth.
A single call can saves someone’s life.
On July 16, 2022, the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline replaced the previous 1-800-273-8255 (TALK) number with 9-8-8. This was to make it easier and faster for people to get the help they need. The goal is to make 9-8-8 as memorable as 9-1-1.
Text messages can be sent to the three-digit number as well.
Read more about the recent change.
If you are a veteran who needs help, press “1” after dialing “9-8-8.” This will connect you directly to the Veterans Crisis Lifeline. The lifeline supports veterans, service members, National Guard, Reserve members and their families.
People who call 9-8-8 will be connected to trained counselors at a crisis center closest to them. Right now, there are more than 200 of these centers across the county. If the center closest to you is busy, your call will be routed to one of 16 backup centers across the U.S.
The counselors can connect you to local services, including in-person care.
Yes, there are currently both Spanish and English speaking crisis counselors, along with interpretation serviced in over 150 languages.
The 9-8-8 text services are only in English at this time.
Yes, calls and texts are both confidential. None of your information will be shared with anyone, unless you are a danger to yourself or someone else. By law, the counselors are required to call emergency services. However, in most cases, that isn’t needed and they are able to intervene effectivity.
Yes, if you think someone you know is thinking about suicide or having a mental health crisis, please call for help. A trained counselor will walk you through how to help them.
Yes, there are several other organizations standing by to help. Here are a few available:
211: This hotline is for anyone needing assistance with a wide variety of issues, including Rent Assistance, Healthcare, Mental Health and Heat Relief. Call 2-1-1 for help.
The Trevor Project: This hotline is for people in the LGTBQIA+ community. Call (866) 714-7386 for help.
Trans Lifeline: This hotline is for people in the Transgender community. Call (877) 565-8860 for help.
Teen Line: This hotline is for teenagers. Call (866) 714-0090 or text ‘TEEN’ to 839-863 for help.
Valley of the Sun United Way is taking steps to create Mighty Change across Maricopa County. Together, with our generous donors by our side, we’re confident we’ll meet our bold goals, including increasing access to healthcare for everyone in our community.
