AZ Family: 988 is a number that can save a life. The mental health and substance abuse crisis hotline marks its second anniversary this week.
Since its inception, the number has been called more than 10 million times by those in need.
“The 988 line has positively impacted Arizonans very much so,” said Kristina Sabetta, the executive director for NAMI Valley of the Sun. “People remember 988 and know, ‘Hey, I am in a mental health crisis. It is not a car accident, but a mental health or substance abuse crisis. I am going to call 988.’”
The hotline functions similarly to 911. But instead of police, fire, or ambulances, it provides support and resources to those thinking about self-harm or suicide and those struggling with substance abuse.
“We really need to continue to push this more. Every time we outreach someone, we should let them know that 988 is available, it’s there,” Sabetta said.
She says the 988 hotline has been a great resource for getting people the help they need while allowing police to focus on other calls.
“Law enforcement is great. They do really great work. But dealing with folks in a mental health or substance abuse crisis is not their area of expertise. We rely on law enforcement because our mental health system is not strong enough to deal with the needs of our community,” Sabetta said.
She is hopeful the hotline will continue to reach more people.
There is an issue, though. Sabetta says right now, the hotline routes people based on their area code.
So, if you move and do not change phone numbers, it may not connect you to resources in your actual location.
She is hopeful that a proposed federal bill, Local 988 Response Act, changes that in the future.