The Idaho Department of Health and Welfare is rolling out a new way to connect people experiencing a crisis with supportive resources and the Boise Police Department is proud to share their message.
On July 16, 2022, Idaho joined the rest of the United States in beginning to use the 988-dialing code. 988 will be the new three-digit number for call, text, or chat that connects people to The Idaho Crisis and Suicide Hotline. Calls can be answered in multiple languages and anyone can use 988 if they are having thoughts of suicide, mental health or substance use crises, or any other kind of emotional distress. People can also dial 988 if they are worried about a loved one who may need crisis support.
988 is part of Idaho’s crisis continuum of care which includes, but is not limited to, crisis de-escalation over the phone, appropriate crisis mobile response, behavioral health service linkage, and crisis follow-up.
“We are grateful the State of Idaho has this opportunity to continue to increase support for people needing a crisis counselor,” said Boise Police Chief Ryan Lee.
The Boise Police Department and Ada County Dispatch will continue to work with the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare and The Idaho Crisis and Suicide Hotline to ensure callers are getting the services they need.
For more information on the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline click here.