Should I Call 988 or 911?

You might have heard about 988, the new number being called the “911 for mental health,” it is part of the new initiative to separate emergency medical and public safety responses associated with 911. It provides direct connection to compassionate and appropriate mental health support without involving law enforcement when that isn't necessary.

But you may be wondering…how do I when to call 911 and when I can call 988?

988 is specifically for mental health issues and is not for standard emergencies

Continue to call 911
-- if there’s a fire
-- If there is a medical emergency
-- if you need the police - if, for example, someone breaks into your home, or another crime has been or is being committed
-- ask yourself - is there an imminent threat? It might even be mental health related but if someone is violent or has weapons on the scene - call 911

What about 988?

-- you can call 988 when someone is in mental distress and needs to talk to someone.
-- if someone is in danger of hurting themselves or others or if they’re at risk of being unable to care for themselves or function in the community in a healthy way, it is a crisis.

Situations in which you would call 988 include:

-- you or someone you know is thinking suicidal thoughts or about attempting suicide.
-- you or someone you know is experiencing mental distress due to depression, anxiety or another mental illness
-- verbal disputes that can be resolved with help and are not violent
-- the caller who is witnesssing someone with a psychotic episode who ISNT violent
-- you or someone you know is experiencing mental distress due to drug or alcohol use.
-- you can always call 988 if you believe the police aren’t needed for the situation, and the trained counselors at the crisis call center will assess the situation and send appropriate help.

Region Five is the local single point-of-access for behavioral health services in the Coastal Tidewater area of Virginia. We provide services and resources for concerns related to mental health, developmental disabilities and substance abuse. If you or someone else is experiencing a mental health crisis, you can reach us anytime by dialing 988, or, if you’re calling from the area, but from a non-757 area code, you can call 757-656-7755.

Remember, mental health is not a crime, so get on board with the crisis lifeline - the new version of 911 for mental health

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