Calling a suicide crisis line now uses a single, easy-to-remember number

The US now has a three-digit number for suicide and mental health crises. This means people can reach help by simply dialing 988, similar to 911 for emergencies.

Before this, people in crisis had to remember a longer, 10-digit number to reach the national lifeline. This rule makes it as easy to call for mental health help as it is to call for police or fire. It removes a small but critical barrier to getting help in an emergency.