Getting the help you need when dealing with a crisis or suicidal thoughts just got easier. On Friday, Governor Tony Evers and the Wisconsin Department of Health Services announced that the state is ready to transition to the new 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline beginning July 16th. The hope is the unique number will be easier to remember than the current 1-800-273-8255 used for the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline. Those in crisis can text or dial 988 to be connected to someone 24/7 to get the help they need. In May, Kewaunee County Sheriff Matt Joski praised the critical resource when it was first introduced after years of setbacks.
The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline received 29,000 calls from Wisconsinites last year. The 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline has 200 support centers established around the country, including Wisconsin’s, which is funded by DHS and operated by Family Services of Northeast Wisconsin.
