Georgia has completed its first phase of planning for the implementation of 9-8-8, the new
easy-to-remember phone number for mental health crises, emergencies and the National Suicide Prevention Hotline.
According to the Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities (DBHDD), the goal for this new number is to bring awareness to mental health resources in the state.
“Establishing 9-8-8 as the ‘9-1-1’ for suicide prevention and mental health crisis services will make it easier for Georgians in crisis to access the help they need and decrease the stigma surrounding suicide and mental health,” the DBHDD says in a press release. “It is expected to increase demand on the crisis system twofold.”
The DBHDD responds to National Suicide Prevention Lifeline calls and coordinates services and support for Georgians who seek help through the line. Once the new number is implemented, 9-8-8 calls from Georgia will be routed through the Georgia Crisis and Access Line.
The Crisis and Access Line was established in 2006 to provide around-the-clock support to individuals in crisis. The crisis line offers support for mental health, addiction and developmental disabilities.
DBHDD Commissioner Judy Fitzgerald attributed the success of the first phase of the planning process to the numerous people who have joined to help DBHDD plan for the implementation of 9-8-8.
“Georgia’s work to develop its crisis network over the past 12 years has DBHDD well positioned for change, and as we prepare to evolve, I am grateful to those who have stepped up to help inform our planning process in a thoughtful way,” said Fitzgerald. “I am very excited about this work, how important it is, both in preventing suicide and in building a diverse coalition to develop an infrastructure that supports Georgians’ mental wellbeing for generations to come.”
The new line is expected to go live July 16, 2022.
If anyone you know needs help related to mental health, substance use, or intellectual and developmental disabilities immediate assistance is available 24/7/365. Please call the Georgia Crisis and Access Line at 1-800-715-4225.
