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Maryland has a new way to connect to local behavioral health crisis services.
Calling 988 will connect callers directly to the National Suicide & Crisis Lifeline which encompasses all behavioral crisis services, to include all mental health and substance use (problems with drug and alcohol use).
The 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline replaces the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline AND expands services to cover all behavioral health crisis services. Access and share this flyer about 988 in Maryland.
What does this mean for Marylanders?
When someone in Maryland calls 988, it will be routed to one of the state’s eight call centers. These centers provide phone-based support and information regarding local resources. Marylanders can also text 988.
Who can call 988?
Anyone in need of assistance with behavioral health related needs can call 988.
What can you expect when calling 988?
How does 988 help Marylanders?
988 call specialists located at crisis call centers around Maryland can immediately provide phone-based support and connections to local resources.
By directing cases to 988 when a behavioral health crisis (mental health and substance use) isn't life threatening, the response provided by public services, such as law enforcement and EMS, can be reserved for situations in which lives are endangered.
In 2020, Congress designated the new 988 calling code to be operated through the existing National Suicide Prevention Lifeline. The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) sees 988 as a first step towards a transformed crisis care system in America.