Beginning on July 16, the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline became available to everyone in the United States. Calls made to 988 are now routed to the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline. The Nataional Suicide Prevention Lifeline is a network of local crisis centers that provides free and confidential emotional support to people in suicidal crisis or emotional distress 24/7/365. 

This new 3-digit number is easy to remember and allows quick access to mental health care professionals by simply calling or texting 988. Trained counselors are waiting to support and connect with those who reach out during a crisis, whether callers are experiencing suicidal thoughts, mental health challenges, or substance use issues. 

When people call, text, or chat 988, they will connect to trained counselors that are part of the existing Lifeline network. These trained counselors will listen, understand how their problems affect them, provide support, and connect them to resources if necessary.

The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline number 800-273-2355 has been used for 17 years and will continue to be available in addition to 988.

Lifeline's network of over 200 crisis centers has been in operation since 2005 and has proved effective. It's the counselors at these local crisis centers who answer the contacts the Lifeline receives every day. Numerous studies have shown that callers feel less suicidal, less depressed, less overwhelmed, and more hopeful after speaking with a Lifeline counselor. 

Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Adminstration sees 988 as the first step towards a transformed crisis care system in much the same way as emergency medical services have expanded in the US.

Additionally, Indiana is entering into an $8 million partnership with Riley Children's Health to provide mental health services at pediatric primary care offices across the state. The goal is to continue removing barriers to access. The partnership includes $4 million in matching funds from Riley Children's Health.

Through this partnership, mental health services will be embedded within primary pediatric care settings around the state of Indiana, directly addressing the growing child mental health crisis.

Other funding includes:
• $27.6 million in workforce stabilization grants to community mental health centers around the state;
• $4.4 million provided to the Indiana University School of Medicine to fund psychiatrist residency (training) slots, and fellowships for psychiatrists and internships for psychology students;
• $15 million in grants to help Indiana's community mental health centers transition to the new Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic model.