Suicide & Crisis Lifeline

The Village of Westchester reminds the community about a vital, easy-to-remember resource for mental health and substance use crises: the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. This three-digit number is available nationwide for anyone experiencing emotional distress or a suicidal crisis, providing a direct connection to free, confidential, and compassionate support 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Modeled after 911, the 988 Lifeline is designed to be an immediate and effective safety net, ensuring that residents can quickly connect with a trained crisis counselor in their moment of need. The service is part of a national movement to transform the mental health crisis response system, offering an alternative to emergency rooms or law enforcement involvement for mental health-related emergencies.

How 988 Works
When a person calls, texts, or chats 988, they are connected to a network of over 200 local crisis centers across the United States. In Illinois, calls are routed to one of several local call centers.

• Confidential Support: Conversations with 988 counselors are confidential, and individuals are not required to provide any personal information beyond what they are comfortable sharing.
• Trained Professionals: Callers connect with a trained crisis counselor who can listen, de-escalate the situation, provide support, and link individuals to local resources if needed.
• Specialized Services: Callers have options to connect to the Veterans Crisis Line by pressing 1, or the Spanish-language Lifeline by pressing 2.
• Beyond Suicide Prevention: The Lifeline is for any kind of emotional distress, including mental health and substance use-related crises.

A Vital Community Resource
"Too many people experience mental health crises without the support they need, and suicide remains a leading cause of death for certain age groups," said Police Chief Babich. "The 988 Lifeline provides a crucial access point to immediate care, helping save lives and connecting our community members to the right support at the right time."

When to Call 988 vs. 911

• Dial 988 for suicidal thoughts, mental health crises, holiday blues and stress, substance use issues, or any kind of emotional distress.
• Dial 911 for immediate, in-progress public safety or medical emergencies where law enforcement, fire, or emergency medical services are needed.

The community is encouraged to share the 988 number to ensure that everyone knows how to access help for themselves or a loved one.
For more information about the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, please visit 988lifeline.org or SAMHSA.gov/988.