It’s a free, confidential 24/7 Crisis Text Line.

Numerous studies have shown that most 988 callers are significantly more likely to feel less depressed, less suicidal, less overwhelmed, and more hopeful after speaking to a 988 Lifeline trained crisis specialist. Almost 98% of people who call, text, or chat the 988 Lifeline get the crisis support they need and do not require additional services in that moment. The 988 Lifeline crisis specialists are trained to help reduce the intensity of a situation for the person seeking help, and connect them to additional local resources, as needed, to support their wellbeing.

Ohioans have three options to reach out for help Call, Text, and Chat:

• Call – Dial 988 on your mobile or home phone for immediate support.
  • For the Veterans Crisis Line, dial 988 then press 1. You do not have to be enrolled in Veterans Affairs (VA) benefits or health care to call.
  • Para acceder al apoyo en español, marque 988 y presione 2.
• Text – To text with a crisis specialist, send a text to 988 on your phone. (English and Spanish)
  • Para iniciar una conversación de mensaje de texto en español con el 988 Lifeline, envía la palabra AYUDA a 988.
• Chat – To reach a crisis specialist through the 988 National website
  • Haga clic aquí para iniciar un chat en español
  • Click here for Deaf/Heard-of-Hearing services

The 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline launched in Ohio and across the nation on July 16, 2022. Ohioans who are experiencing a mental health or addiction crisis, and their family members, are able to call or text 988, or chat 988Lifeline.org to reach a trained call specialist who can offer help and support.

• • 592,294 total 988 contacts (calls, chats, and texts) since July 2022.
  • 16,453 average number of 988 contacts per month.
  • 2,026 average number of chats received per month from Ohio area codes.
  • 3,131 average number of texts received per month from Ohio area codes.
  • 11,296 average number of monthly 988 call from Ohio area codes, including veteran and Spanish-speaking calls routed to specialized national call centers.
  • 1.5% average percentage of calls rolled over to a national back-up call center.
  • 23 seconds averaged speed to answer rate in Ohio, compared to 34 seconds nationally.