Understand the Differences: 988, 911, and 211

Understand the Differences: 988, 911, and 211

By: Christen Bourgeois Date: March 5th, 2024

How do the numbers differ?

The NEW 988 Lifeline

A support number that provides lifesaving suicide prevention and crisis services to people struggling with mental health. Learn more >>

911

An emergency number currently used for all emergencies, including mental health.

211

A non-emergency number for finding community resources, such as food banks and shelters. Learn more >>

1-800-273-TALK (8255)

A support number for the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline and Veterans Crisis Line. As of July 16, 2022, all calls are automatically routed to 988—an easier-to-remember number for people to access a strengthened and expanded network of crisis call centers.

Video

• WATCH & SHARE >> Three Ways to Connect – Assistance When You Need it

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

• 988 Lifeline Services
• Differences Between 988, 911, and 211
• How 988 Addresses Diverse Populations
• Federal/State Roles and Funding
• Call Routing, Privacy, Network Functioning
• Mobile Crisis Care

Resources

• 988 Lifeline: Chat Online
• 988 Lifeline: Haga clic aquípara acceder al chat en español
• 988 Lifeline: ASL now for Deaf or Hard of Hearing
• Veterans Crisis Line: Chat Online
• Washington 211: What is 211?

For more information & resources, visit >> SAMHSA.org

Source: Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), Mental Health America (MHA), U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), Medical Xpress (article originally published by The Conversation), and Washington 211.