Please note that “988” officially went into effect this past Saturday 7/16/2022. Our local Care & Crisis Helpline provider (Niagara County Crisis Services) is now the designated “988” provider as well. We are hopeful that this will promote utilization, reduce disconnects in continuity of care, improve access to care and referrals to local services, and improve quality of data. We are in the process of updating marketing materials to promote “988” throughout Orleans County. Please see below Governor Hochul’s press release on this.

Subject: Press Release – Governor Hochul Announces Successful Implementation of 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline

“Governor Kathy Hochul announced the successful implementation of 988 in New York State as the new three-digit number to call or text to be connected to the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline. All 62 counties in New York State will be covered for the launch of the new 988 Lifeline, which will ensure that anyone with a New York area code contacting 988 will be connected to one of New York’s 988 crisis centers.

Connecting people who are experiencing a mental health crisis or considering suicide to trained counselors can significantly help them through difficulties that seem insurmountable, and the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline provides hope and support to those who need it most,” Governor Hochul said. “By implementing 988, we are providing these individuals, as well as their families and friends, an easy-to-remember number that will give them access to the services they need.”

Full press release here:

https://www.governor.ny.gov/news/governor-hochul-announces-successful-implementation-988-suicide-and-crisis-lifeline