Please note that the State recently launched a new service to help Oregonians in need as noted on their website:
‘The 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline is available 24/7 for people experiencing a behavioral health crisis to call, text or chat online at 988lifeline.org. Calls may be responded to in English or Spanish. Text and online chat are currently only available in English.
People can also dial 988 if they are worried about a loved one who may need crisis support.
The 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline is easy to remember, like 911, and offers a direct connection to trained crisis counselors who will offer compassionate, accessible care and support for anyone experiencing mental health-related distress — including thoughts of suicide or self-harm, a substance use crisis or any other kind of behavioral health crisis. The counselor is part of a call center that is linked to a network of services, so the caller will be connected quickly with the right kind of help, from the right type of helper.
Find a full list of frequently asked questions about 988 from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA).
How Does 988 Work?
988 was established in July 2022 to improve access to crisis services in a way that meets our country’s growing suicide and mental health-related crisis care needs. 988 provides easier access to behavioral health crisis services, which are distinct from the public safety purposes of 911 (where the focus is on dispatching Emergency Medical Services, fire and police as needed).
911 continues to operate as it does across the state. For serious and life-threatening situations, 988 call centers work with local mental health providers to support appropriate interventions.
The Oregon Health Authority (OHA) and Oregon’s 988 call centers are collaborating with 911 Public Safety Answering Points to develop a roadmap on how 911 and 988 can coordinate with each other in the future.
988 crisis counselors are trained to use the least invasive interventions. Oftentimes, responding to a call, text or chat is all that is needed to help someone in crisis. In fact, more than 95 percent of current calls are resolved over the phone.
If a 988 call cannot be resolved over the phone, a mobile crisis team or first responder may be dispatched”.
