Bill heading to Governor’s desk implements new hotline number for mental health crisis

A bill headed to the governor’s desk implements a new number to call during a mental health crisis.

988, pretty soon those experiencing a crisis or a mental health emergency will be able to dial the number to be assessed and receive aid.

Federal legislation was passed in 2020 requiring states to get on board with using the number so that it is universal.

The number is expected to go live in July 2022 and funding allotted for it covers start up costs and continued operations.

News 25 spoke to Mental Health Advocate Jennifer Fink about the bill. “I think it’s going to be very, very useful for the general public, as someone who has suffered mental illness myself. When you are so deep in depression, trying to think of one long number is just wasted time and wasted moments when you are in a crisis situation. So, you can just dial 988, so you’re immediately connected to the help that you need.”

As the bill is federally mandated, Governor Reeves is expected to sign it into law.