A new nationwide suicide hotline was launched over the weekend.
The short, easy-to-remember 9-8-8 number is designed to quickly get those in crisis to a trained in-state mental health professional.
Illinois Department of Human Services Mental Health Director Dr. David Albert says the hotline is also being expanded to help not just those who may be suicidal, but others suffering from significant emotional pain are urged to call as well.
“It is absolutely fine for somebody who just needs to talk to someone because they are distressed to use 988. They are not going to be shamed or made to feel like they are using an emergency service when it is not an emergency. We really don’t want people to think that way about 988. We want people to error on the side of reaching out.”
More information is available online at: 988Hotline.Illinois.gov.
