The 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline is a national network of local crisis centers that provides free and confidential emotional support to people in suicidal crisis or emotional distress 24 hours a day, 7 days a week in the United States. According to 988lifeline.org, the lifeline is committed to improving criss services and advancing suicide prevention by empowering individuals, advancing professional best practices and building awareness.
Pastors and churches are encouraged to keep this number handy in order to help those in their communities struggling with mental health or in case of a mental health emergency. Dialing or texting 988 will automatically connect callers to the National Suicide Prevention lifeline network of services.
