The New 988 Number Launches this Saturday, July 16, 2022

211 Palm Beach and Treasure Coast is Set to Launch the New 988 Number

For Suicide Prevention and Mental Health Needs

Lantana, FL: (July 15, 2022) Nationally and in Palm Beach County trends of suicide deaths are starting to tick up and that's a troubling trend. Now more than ever the services of 211 Palm Beach and Treasure Coast are needed for those in our community, and today the nonprofit organization announced that beginning on Saturday, July 16, 211 Palm Beach and Treasure Coast will be the frontline responder to the new national 988 number in this region.

“In anticipation of the increase in calls and texts that will be coming in on the 988 number, we have been proactive in hiring and training new staff to meet the expected demand,” said Sharon L’Herrou, President/CEO of 211 Palm Beach and Treasure Coast. Other 211 organizations and crisis lines will similarly be involved across the state and across the nation. Sharon added “Our highly trained, caring frontline responders are available any time of day or night. We are committed to helping those in our community navigate through their most challenging times.”

988 is more than just an easy-to-remember number—it is a direct connection to compassionate, accessible care and support for anyone experiencing mental health related distress – whether that is thoughts of suicide, mental health or substance use crisis, or any other kind of emotional distress. The new number also signifies a larger conversation about creating a crisis standard of care in every community– helping to better align existing mental health services and providers and to identify and address gaps in services nationwide.

Callers are encouraged to dial 988 or 2-1-1 in our local community should they need to talk or if they are in need of mental health, substance use, or other service providers. Anyone in imminent danger should continue to use 911 as needed.

Calls to 211 are free, confidential, and available 24/7. If you or someone you know is having a mental health crisis or thoughts of suicide, Dial 2-1-1 and if requested, a Mobile Crisis Response team can be dispatched. 211 continues to be the regional responder for the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline’s 1-800-273-TALK (8255) which will be operational throughout the transition to the new 9-8-8 number.

Nonprofit 211 Palm Beach and Treasure Coast’s mission is to connect people to services 24 hours a day by understanding their individual emotional, financial and community needs and to support the health & human service system as a whole.

To learn more visit www.211palmbeach.org or www.211treasurecoast.org