New ‘988’ suicide prevention hotline launches July 16

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA, KECY) - Starting July 16, anyone experiencing a mental health crisis will be able to call or text a three-digit number, 988, to reach the national suicide prevention hotline.

Similar to 911, 988 will be easier to remember rather than calling the 10-digit National Suicide Prevention Lifeline.

If you dial the 10-digit number, you will be routed to 988 once it goes into effect.

The National Alliance on Mental Illness reports that suicide is the second-leading cause of death for 15-to-24-year-olds.

Making this hotline so important for our youth.

Gwyneth Perea of the Yellow Ribbon Club at Cibola High School is happy there is a new resource available.

“I feel it’s way more accessible because teenagers are always on their phones and to be able to access a number that’s short and easy to remember is way better than that 10-digit number," said Perea.

This hotline provides 24/7 free and private emotional support across the nation.

When you call, you will be connected with a certified crisis center in your area.

President of the Yellow Ribbon Club, Kaylee Woods looks forward to the local resources this new hotline will bring.

“People are gonna definitely feel like they are connecting more, hopefully, because it’s people from their own city, people who live in the same area as them so they have more personalized care," said Woods.

During the heat of the covid pandemic, many felt more isolated than ever.

Once Woods was able to get back in school, she started the yellow ribbon club for anyone to join and talk about their mental health among other activities.

“Sometimes we do mental health like presentations, but we also do games or we have days where we do homework together," said Woods. "It’s just to create a safe place where people feel involved and feel like they can talk to other people their age.”

Remember to always talk to someone about how you’re feeling.

You can call 988 for thoughts of suicide, mental health, substance use crisis, or any other kind of emotional distress.