Galesburg Reporter

In an Aug. 25 Facebook post, Sen. Jil Tracy (R-Quincy) reminded constituents of the new number for the suicide crisis hotline.

“Simplified suicide/crisis hotline now available. Those in need of mental health or suicide prevention assistance will no longer have to dial an 11-digit phone number to access professional help," Tracy posted. "A new three-digit code, 9-8-8, will now route callers and texters to the National Suicide Prevention and Mental Health Lifeline. The 9-8-8 system went live across the country on July 16. When people call, text or chat 9-8-8, they will be connected to trained counselors who will listen, assess, provide support, and connect them with additional resources if necessary. The current Lifeline phone number of 1-800-273-8255 will remain active."

The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline transitioned from a 10-digit phone number to to 988 in July. The change was authorized by a 2020 law called The National Suicide Hotline Designation Act, according to the FCC.

The previous 10-digit number will still remain in operation. That number is 1-800-273-8255. The 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline is a national network of more than 200 crisis centers.

According to CBS 2 Chicago, Illinois has struggled with crisis line calls, with many being redirected out of state, taking up time that a caller could use talking to someone about the issues they're facing. The federal funding that came with the implementation of the 988 number could help Illinois catch more of the calls they're missing, say crisis line advocates.