9-8-8 Access to Suicide Prevention Lifeline coming to Alaska

The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is switching to a 3-digit number (9-8-8) beginning July 16. In the same way that 911 is universally used to access police, fire, and ambulances, 988 is being launched as the new 3-digit number that connects people to the existing National Suicide Prevention Lifeline for calls, texting, or chats. The existing Lifeline phone number (800-273-8255) will remain available.

Several months ago, residents in Alaska, along with the rest of the US, transitioned from a 7-digit phone number to a 10-digit phone number, which has meant using area codes to dial all phone numbers. The move was needed as part of the new 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.

988 can be used by anyone, at any time as a direct connection to care and support for people who might be experiencing suicidal thoughts, who is at risk of suicide, or who is struggling with emotional distress. The Lifeline is free and confidential.

The hope is that with an easy-to-access phone number, people at risk will have a timely resource if they find themselves or someone in suicidal crisis or mental health-related distress.

The need for increased access is clear. In 2020, it was reported that someone committed suicide every 11 minutes, and suicide remains one of the leading causes of death for people age 10-34. In Alaska, suicide was the leading cause of death for American Indian and Alaska Native youth ages 10-19, and for youth ages 10-14. Suicide was the 2nd leading cause of death overall for all Alaska youth and young adults, ages 15-34.

According to the most recent Youth Risk Behavior Survey in 2019, over 1 in 3 Alaska high school students reported feeling sad or hopeless almost every day for 2 or more weeks in a row; 25% seriously considered attempting suicide; and nearly 20% did attempt suicide.

Suicide in Alaska is a major public health concern. Alaska has historically had some of the highest rates of suicide in the nation. The State of Alaska is engaged in several efforts to improve its crisis response system, mental health and substance misuse supports, and suicide prevention.

Before the July 16 tranisition, people may continue to call 1-800-273-8255 to reach the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline or 1-877-266-HELP (4357) to reach the Alaska Careline. Both numbers will still work after July 16, along with 988.

If you have questions or concerns, you can reach Alaska’s 988 Coalition by emailing Leah Van Kirk, the statewide suicide prevention program coordinator with the Alaska Division of Behavioral Health at leah.vankirk@alaska.gov.