988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline Adds ASL Services

Stephen Goforth
Sep 11, 2023
1 min read

The 988 crisis hotline is a service of the US government adding an ASL option for callers.

The US Department of Health and Human Services added the feature this past Friday. Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra said:

“Individuals across America who use ASL as their primary language can now readily access the support they need during a mental health crisis. With the introduction of 988 ASL services, we are taking a significant stride forward in providing inclusive and accessible support for the deaf and hard-of-hearing community.

The services use a videophone device that transmits video and audio. It can be reached by clicking “ASL Now” on 988lifeline.org. Callers can alternatively call 1-800-273-TALK (8255) but will soon also be able to directly dial to 988 by videophone.

The National Association of the Deaf supported the change. NAD CEO Howard A. Rosenblum said:

“We encourage anyone going through a crisis or thinking about suicide to contact 988 in any way preferred -- voice, text, or sign language."

The 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline was launched last year for anyone who is experiencing a mental health crisis, emotional distress or contemplating suicide. It evolved from the former National Suicide Prevention Lifeline.

Here is a video report about it from WFAA.