988 has been designated as the new three-digit dialing code that will route callers to the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline. Effective July 16, 2022, the 988 dialing code is now available to everyone across the United States.

When people call, text, or chat 988, they will be connected to trained counselors that are part of the existing National Suicide Prevention Lifeline network. Anyone who is depressed or going through a hard time or anyone who needs to talk or is thinking about suicide can use the chat. The chat counselors are available to listen and support callers through whatever difficult times they may be facing.

The 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline is a national network of local crisis centers that provides free and confidential emotional support to people in suicidal crisis or emotional distress — 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. The old Lifeline phone number (1-800-273-TALK) is still available — even after 988 was launched nationally.

More information about the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, including additional resources, can be found by going to: https://988lifeline.org/

The construction industry has one of the highest suicide rates in the United States. In addition to the resources provided by the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, OSHA provides a list of resources for suicide prevention: https://www.osha.gov/preventingsuicides/

Credit to: Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), Vibrant Emotional Health, and OSHA

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