Suicide Prevention
Get Help
Data
Community Prevention
Minnesota Response
Related Topics
988 Lifeline System and Services
On July 16, 2022, the United States transitioned to a new three-digit code 988 to reach mental health support, called the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline (988 Lifeline). The change to 988 is a nationwide effort to transition the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline to a number people can easily remember and access in times of need.
The 988 Lifeline provides connection to free and confidential support for anyone experiencing mental health or emotional distress.
About 988
- There are three ways you can connect to the 988 Lifeline: call, text, and online chat. Connect any time, 24 hours a day, seven days a week, every day of the year.
- Anyone experiencing mental health-related distress, including thoughts of suicide or substance use challenges, can call, chat, or text 988. People can also contact 988 if they are worried about a loved one who may need mental health or emotional support.
- When you connect to the 988 Lifeline, a trained specialist will answer, listen to you, and provide support and share resources if needed. 988 Specialists are trained to focus on de-escalation, safety planning, and coping skills.
- The 988 Lifeline provides phone services in English and Spanish. Interpretation services is available for people who call 988. Currently, interpretation and translation service is not available for chat and text.
988 in Minnesota
The Minnesota Department of Health manages the Minnesota 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline Center grant program which funds 988 Minnesota Lifeline Centers to provide compassionate and confidential emotional and mental health support for people who contact the 988 Lifeline.
988 Minnesota Lifeline Centers are designated to answer 988 contacts from Minnesota-based area codes. Current 988 Minnesota Lifeline Centers include:
The Minnesota 988 Lifeline Center Coverage Map provides detailed information about each center's coverage area in the state.
In addition to the 988 Lifeline centers, there are also local Mobile Crisis Mental Health Services available that are supported by the Minnesota Department of Human Services.
Moving to a shorter code is an important step to help reduce suicide, and is part of a larger push to improve options for Americans needing mental health support. While this is an exciting time to reimagine how crisis services are provided, the full vision of a transformed crisis care system with 988 at its core will take time.
988 frequently asked questions
Get the answers to common questions at 988 Minnesota Lifeline Frequently Asked Questions, including what you can reach out about, how it works, and what you can expect to happen when you call, text, or chat with a trained and caring 988 specialist and get support for anything you’re dealing with.
988 Minnesota Lifeline data
See 988 Minnesota Lifeline data collected from the 988 Lifeline Administrator and Minnesota's 988 Lifeline Centers.
Stay informed
Updates on the latest new and information about 988 Lifeline will be made through the monthly Suicide Prevention newsletter. Sign up to receive the newsletter.
To learn more about 988 Lifeline at the national level, visit SAMHSA 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline.
Contact Us
For questions about the 988 Minnesota Lifeline, contact us at health.988lifeline@state.mn.us.