Starting July 16^th, the 988 three-digit number for mental health and suicidal

crises will go live in the U.S, including Texas. This is a result of a bi-partisan action by Congress and FCC which was advocated for by NAMI and other mental health organizations. This number, like 911 will be an easy to remember number to call for anyone with a mental health crisis. A person or family member in crisis can call and will be connected with the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline Network to talk with a trained crisis management person. Though the work does not stop there.

To make the 988 number more effective, states and local communities need to have crisis response systems that includes:

• A ‘local’ 24/7 crisis call center.
• Mobile crisis teams that can respond to situations that cannot be handled over the phone. A mobile crisis team can replace the police in many situations like this.
• Crisis stabilization programs are required to provide additional assistance in areas such as follow-up care and outpatient services. Many communities do not have all three of these services in place, though the Austin area is lucky to have all three of these systems in place, at least to some extent. Austin has a local help line through Integral Care (512-472-4357). Integral Care also provides many other services. The Austin Police Department and Georgetown Police Department have mental health officers that can respond to crises (ask for a mental health officer when calling).