911 to 988 Behavioral Health Integration Program

Maryland has a new way to connect to local behavioral health crisis services.

Calling 988 connects callers directly to the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, formerly known as the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, which encompasses all behavioral crisis services, including mental health and substance use (problems with drug and alcohol use).

What is TLC-MD’s role in the 988 rollout?

TLC-MD, in partnership with Dignity Best Practices, CCSI, and Prince George’s County government, is leading the rollout and awareness of 988 in Prince George’s County. In addition, TLC-MD and its partners are training first responders in the integration of 911 to 988 to increase rapid access to care for people in mental health distress and decrease police involvement with low-threat-level calls. This will minimize the amount of unnecessary emergency room visits, recurring hospitalizations due to mental health problems, and less incarcerations.

What does this mean for Marylanders?

When someone in Maryland calls 988, they are routed to one of the state’s eight call centers. These centers provide phone-based support and information regarding local mental health resources. Marylanders can also text 988.

Who can call 988?

Anyone in need of assistance with behavioral health related needs can call 988.

The new 988 feature is available nationwide for call (multiple languages), text or chat (English only). Both “211, press 1” and the existing Lifeline phone number (1-800-273-8255) will remain available throughout the transition period and beyond.

What can you expect when calling 988?

Callers will hear a greeting message while their call is routed to the Maryland Lifeline network crisis center (based on the caller’s area code)
A trained call specialist will answer the phone, listen to the caller, understand how their problem is affecting them, provide support, and share resources if needed
If the Maryland crisis center is unable to take the call, the caller will be automatically routed to a national backup crisis center
The Lifeline provides live crisis center phone services in English and Spanish and uses Language Line Solutions to provide translation services in over 150 additional languages for people who call 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.