Idaho residents now can call or text 988 at any time to talk to a trained professional who can help them through a behavioral health crisis. The new emergency phone number launched on July 16 and is available nationwide.

Anyone experiencing behavioral health-related stress -- thoughts of suicide, mental health issues, substance use crisis or any other kind of emotional distress — can call or text 988 at any time. People can also dial 988 if they are worried about a loved one who may need crisis intervention.

All calls made from an Idaho area code to 988 are routed to a central hub in Washington, D.C., and then re-routed to the Idaho Crisis and Suicide Hotline. The new three-digit number is available in multiple languages for everyone in Idaho and the U.S. to call and connect with the existing National Suicide Prevention Lifeline network. Text is available in English only. Read more in this press release from Idaho Department of Health and Welfare.

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