In response to federal mandate, the State of Nevada, led by Division of Public and Behavioral Health, is coordinating efforts on implementing 988, a statewide crisis line. Social Entrepreneurs, a consulting organization tasked with coordinating the effort, provides an overview on their website:

“988 is a direct three-digit line to trained National Suicide Prevention Lifeline counselors. It will open the door for Nevadans as well as millions of Americans to seek the help they need, while sending the message across the state and the country that healing, hope, and help are happening every day. In 2020, the Lifeline received nearly 2.4 million calls. With an easy to remember and dial number like 988, the Lifeline hopes to reach many more people in emotional crisis. A 988 crisis line that is effectively resourced and promoted will be able to:

  • Connect a person in a mental health crisis to a trained counselor who can address their immediate needs and help connect them to ongoing care.
  • Reduce healthcare spending with more cost-effective early intervention.
  • Reduce use of law enforcement, public health, and other safety resources.
  • Meet the growing need for crisis intervention at scale.
  • Help end stigma toward those seeking or accessing mental healthcare.

When you’ve got a police, fire or rescue emergency, you call 911. When you have an urgent mental health need, you’ll call 988. ”

For more information, go to Social Entrepreneur’s website at https://socialent.com/resources/nevada-988-implementation-planning/