The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) announced in a Thursday release that Michigan residents in crisis now have an easy-to-remember three-digit call for help: 988.

988 will go live on Sat., July 16, 2022. Individuals who need help before then should call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline. The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline can be reached by calling 1-800-273- 8255 (1-800-273-TALK) and through online chat, suicidepreventionlifeline.org/chat.

What constitutes a crisis?

“Crisis is defined by the caller,” said Dr. Debra Pinals, medical director for Behavioral Health and Forensic Programs with DHHS, “and by providing an easy-to-remember number we are making help more accessible and strengthening support to those in need. Trained counselors will be available 24/7 to field calls. They will listen to the caller’s problems, assess their needs, and provide support by connecting them with resources, and alert local emergency crisis teams, if necessary. The roll out of 988 as an easier number to remember will provide a natural extension to the already promising work of the department in implementing the Michigan Crisis and Access Line.”

Anyone with the following concerns can call:

– Mental health-related distress.

– Thoughts of suicide.

– Substance use crisis.

– Emotional distress.

There are specialized services available for veterans, LGBTQ individuals and other groups.

People who are worried about a loved one who may need support also can call.

Veterans can use this new option to access the Veterans Crisis line by dialing 988 then pressing 1. Veterans may still reach the Veterans Crisis Line with the current phone number–1-800-273-8255 and Press 1– through chat, and by text (838255). For more information, please visit: What is 988? (veteranscrisisline.net)

Michigan has joined the nation in transitioning to the 988-dialing code, which will operate through the existing National Suicide Prevention Lifeline’s network of more than 200 locally operated and funded crisis centers across the country, the release explains.

The 988-dialing code does not replace the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (800-273-TALK (8255)) or other locally operated crisis lines. Instead, it serves as a universal entry point to connect individuals in need to trained crisis counselors who can help. MDHHS is working to ensure a solid infrastructure is built through coordination with 911 and other crisis service providers as the 988-dialing code launches. DHHS will begin publicizing the crisis line in Jan. 2023.

Why is 988 needed?

The DHHS website (https://www.michigan.gov/mdhhs/keep-mi-healthy/mentalhealth/crisis-and-access-line?utm_campaign=&utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery) states that:

Behavioral health support and suicide prevention are critical needs. Since 2008, suicide has ranked as the tenth leading cause of death in the United States. The adoption of the new three-digit number reflects a commitment to delivering necessary intervention services. Like using 911 for emergency calls, switching to an easy-to-remember 988 for suicide prevention and mental health crisis services will make it easier for Americans in crisis to access the help they need and decrease the stigma surrounding suicide and mental health issues.

“The 988 number is another step toward strengthening and transforming crisis care and mental health services in our state, which is a key focus of the department,” said Elizabeth Hertel, DHHS director. “This universal number means no matter where you live or call from, you can reach a

trained crisis counselor who can help. We encourage Michigan residents or their family members to call 988 if they are experiencing mental health-related distress, emotional distress or a substance use crisis.”

In 2020, Congress designated the new 988 dialing code to operate through the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline. That action expands the existing Lifeline beyond people who are feeling suicidal to all individuals experiencing a behavioral health crisis, including suicidal thoughts or substance abuse issues.

Prior to the development of 988, the Michigan Crisis and Access Line (MiCAL) was funded by the Michigan Legislature in December 2018. MDHHS was charged with the development of MiCAL, which is currently operating in Oakland County and the Upper Peninsula, and with 988 implementation.

MiCAL is built on the SAMHSA’s National Guidelines for Behavioral Health Crisis Care which is also the foundation for 988. In Michigan, MiCAL is responsible for answering 988 calls in all areas of Michigan. In Macomb and Kent counties, Macomb County Community Mental Health and Network 180 will answer 988 calls with MiCAL providing back-up call coverage.

The DHHS website explains that MiCAL is Michigan’s statewide crisis and access line. It is Michigan’s central crisis line that accepts 988 calls, texts, and chats originating from Michigan.

“MiCAL is not a replacement for Community Mental Health Services Programs (CMHSP), Crisis Lines, and Specialist Crisis Services,” the website states. “CMHSP crisis lines fill an important role of providing integrated crisis care for people who receive CMHSP services.”

For more information, visit 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline and Michigan Crisis & Access Line.

The new 988 number will also allow 988, 911, and the Emergency Services Program to interact, states the DHHS website.

Increased collaboration between 988, 911, and the Emergency Services Program will give more options for those in crisis, such as dispatching mobile crisis teams to individuals in mental health, substance use, or suicidal crisis rather than police, fire, or EMS, and greater coordination of care options like crisis stabilization units.

Anyone interested in further details on the new 988 service in Michigan may find publicized materials, states DHHS.

Michigan is currently implementing a soft rollout for 988 per Vibrant’s recommendations, the DHHS website states.

“We plan to start public awareness activities and marketing in January 2023,” the site states. “We will focus on developing and strengthening infrastructure (resources, staff, and coordination) in the first several months and when that is solidified, we will focus our efforts on marketing and advertising the 988-dialing code throughout Michigan.”

Vibrant is the current administrator of the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline,

Currently, DHHS is is more than happy to provide stakeholders and community partners with more information on 988, its implementation, and how they can get involved, says the site.

“But we are asking said stakeholders and community partners not to publish or share this information. Michigan has begun the process of gradually rolling out 988 to the state, but to ensure that there is a flawless transition and not to overburden the call centers all at once Michigan has chosen to utilize a soft rollout method. Marketing efforts for 988 will be initiated at the beginning of 2023.”

Dial Help, a nonprofit crisis center located at 609 Shelden Ave. in Houghton has been servicing the Copper Country since 1971. Since 2005 they have been a member of the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline Network. Their variety of programs seeks to address health issues including suicide and mental health through their crisis network, substance abuse programs, as well as youth services and programming according to their website.