988 is the New Suicide Prevention and Crisis Lifeline Number

Being on dialysis takes a toll on you physically but it can also take a toll on you mentally. If you find yourself in a dire situation where you're contemplating suicide or self harm, please call or text 988. The number will connect you with trained counselors that will listen, provide support, and connect you with available resources.

The three digit number 988 replaces the toll free Lifeline number 1-800-273-8255 but that number will continue to work as well.

More information about the 988 Suicide Prevention and Crisis Lifeline can be found here.

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Video

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Video Transcript

Narrator: What was formerly known as the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is now the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. The new three-digit number now up and running.

Jessica Rosenworcel: For nearly two decades we've had a call number for suicide prevention so you could call 1-800-273-8255 if you need some help but, you know, that's not an easy to remember number and it doesn't reflect the way we all use our mobile devices today.

Narrator: FCC Chairwoman, Jessica Rosenworcel, says the idea behind 988 is to make it as easy as possible for people who are in mental or emotional distress to get the assistance when they need it.

Jessica Rosenworcel: You have a crisis in the United States. We've seen real increases in the last decade in suicide.

Narrator: Today and going forward people who are experiencing a mental health crisis can call or text 988 to reach a counselor.

John MacPhee: I think the 988 number and the new 988 lifeline are tremendous opportunity for our country to improve mental health responses for people who are in crises.

Narrator: John MacPhee is the CEO of the Jed Foundation, a charity organization that focuses on protecting mental health and preventing suicide in teens and young adults. He hopes the code will become part of our culture so more people will get help when they need it.

John MacPhee: We have a history with 9-1-1. Everybody knows the number. The previous number for the suicide prevention lifeline was a 10 digit number. Right, so just more complicated to to know and fewer people knew about it.

Narrator: MacPhee believes the 988 suicide and crisis lifeline has even greater potential in the long term.

John MacPhee: There's an opportunity here to set up locally, mobile crisis response systems and to set up mechanisms right; that are non-law enforcement mechanisms for people to get the help they need locally.

Narrator: With the arrival of the new 988 number, it's important to know that the 10 digit number will still be operational for those who are familiar with it.

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References

988 Lifeline

ABC News

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About Rich Foreman

Rich Foreman brings over 30 years of technology leadership to his role of CEO and Co-Founder of KidneySoft.  As founding CTO, Rich led the team that developed the CordicoShield / CordicoFire Wellness App. Cordico was honored with the Sacramento Innovation Award in 2021. After achieving a 7 digit ARR, Cordico was acquired by Lexipol in 2020. Rich has a BS in Industrial Engineering from the University of Washington, an MPA from Troy State University and was an officer in the U.S. Navy. Rich co-authored his book, "Tap into the Mobile Economy." Rich's blog was listed in Top 20 Marketing Mobile Blogs of 2014. He has been featured on KCRA3, NEWS10, 1170 Tech AM PowerDrive, Business Radio Money 105.5, SiliconIndia, the Sacramento Business Journal, and the Sacramento Bee. Rich is also the Founding Director of the Sacramento Chapter of Startup Grind and served a term as Utility Commissioner for the City of Folsom. Rich is a regular contributor to TechWire.net and StartupSac. Rich was the Co-founder of Apptology which was named Small Business of the Year in 2014 by the Sacramento Asian Pacific Chamber. He was also the Founding Chief Technology Officer at Cordico. Cordico was acquired by Lexipol in 2020.  Rich also served 4 years as a Naval Officer in the Civil Engineer Corps.

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Patient Education Disclaimer

This material is for informational purposes only. It does not replace the advice or counsel of a doctor or health care professional. KidneyLuv makes every effort to provide information that is accurate and timely, but makes no guarantee in this regard. You should consult with, and rely only on the advice of, your physician or health care professional.

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