John Zubryd speaks with a client on the Center for Community Resources crisis hotline at the center. Butler Eagle file photo

Saturday, July 16, marked the first day for the 988 hotline for suicide prevention across Pennsylvania.

The number, which connects directly to the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, will give those seeking mental health crisis assistance an easier and faster way to access the help they need.

The hotline was officially designated in 2020 through Congress, and can be texted or called by anyone at any time, at no cost. The existing Suicide Prevention Lifeline (1-800-273-8255) will remain available.

Marni Rettig, mental health director at Butler County Human Services, explained that the 988 hotline will help connect those in crisis if they don’t know their local crisis number. In Butler County, the Center for Community Resources’s crisis number is 800-292-3866.

“In Butler County, we have our crisis line, and with that, folks not only access the phone services, but they can also request mobile crisis services or walk-in services,” Rettig said.

While the 988 line is a national program, calls will be routed to one of 13 different call centers located within Pennsylvania.

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