National Suicide Prevention Line is shortening its number to 988: ‘We are treating mental health as a priority’

Starting Saturday, July 16, Americans will be able to call a new three-digit number if and when they are having a mental health crisis.

The new 988 hotline, created through the bipartisan National Suicide Hotline Designation Act, will transition what was formerly the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline to the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. The hotline is for people who are experiencing mental health issues, including suicidal thoughts, and can be both called or texted.

“988…