988 will become the number for the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline for US

Los Angeles County is leading the way in preparing for the launch of 988 – the new number for the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline – in summer 2022.

This week, the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors unanimously approved two motions to improve LA County’s response to calls related to threats of suicide and mental health crises, as part of LA County's Alternative Crisis Response (ACR) initiative focused on providing “care first” services to individuals experiencing health or human services emergencies.

The first motion, co-authored by Supervisors Janice Hahn and Kathryn Barger, directs the County to co-sponsor the Miles Hall Lifeline Act (AB 988) that formally establishes California’s 988 Crisis Hotline Center.

The second motion, authored by Supervisor Hahn, connects LACDMH’s 24/7 Help Line with suicide prevention services provided by Didi Hirsch Mental Health Services, allowing the two organizations to coordinate appropriate services – including crisis counseling and dispatch of mobile psychiatric teams – when responding to a mental health emergency.

"The Department of Mental Health salutes the Board for relentless efforts to help the County and its departments streamline complex processes and push for systems reform broadly,” said Dr. Jonathan Sherin, Director of LACDMH. “The consolidation of our crisis response functions through the ACR initiative and the support for a dedicated Crisis Line (aka 988) in collaboration with our key partner, Didi Hirsch, are emblematic of our leadership and commitment to actions that make progress possible."

Until 988 goes live next year, please continue to use National Suicide Prevention Lifeline’s current number at (800) 273-TALK (8255) if you or a loved one is experiencing a mental health crisis.