988 to become suicide prevention hotline

The way New Mexicans dial the phone is about to change this Sunday (Oct. 24) as the state implements 10-digit dialing to create a new mental health hotline.

Rather than the normal seven digits for anyone in the same area code, people will have to dial the full 10 numbers, including the area code, in order to have their calls go through.

If dialing incorrectly, calls may not be completed and “a recording may inform you that your call cannot be completed as dialed,” said a press release from the Human Services Department.

The change comes as the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) chose to mandate 988 as the new three-digit number for the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline and Mental Crisis Hotline.

“The 988 three-digit will be used to make critical mental health resources available to anyone who needs assistance,” said Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham. “While the 911 system is dedicated to public safety emergencies, the launch of the 988 hotline gives people an easy-to-remember number to call for focused support during behavioral health emergencies.”

Human Services Department cabinet secretary Dr. David Scrase acknowledged the “minor inconvenience” of dialing the area codes, “but it will make a huge difference if it will save a life and someone can call 988 when they’re having a mental health crisis.”

“By implementing 988 into our communities it allows people that choice to determine if they need to call 911 for police or fire to respond, or if they need a mental health conversation or a mental health response which will be available by dialing 988,” said Wendy Linebrink-Allison, program manager for ProtoCall Services, Inc., which runs the state funded crisis lines.

988 may not be active across all communities yet. If you or someone you know is in need of mental health assistance, cal 1-800-272-TALK (8255) to reach the National Suicide Prevention Hotline.