A Strong Crisis Response
System
The 988 Helpline is available 24/7, 365 days a year for anyone who needs help or just needs to talk. Learn about Maryland’s Campaign to invest in the 988 Helpline and the crisis response continuum.
Maryland Passes Landmark Legislation to Permanently Fund the 988 Trust Fund!
Strong bipartisan majorities supported the legislation which will fund the state’s 988 helpline system for years to come. Many thanks to our 988 champions in the Maryland General Assembly and to all the members of the Fund Maryland 988 Campaign.
All Marylanders deserve equitable, timely, and effective mental health and substance use care, including help in times of crisis.
In July 2022, 988 became the nation’s first three-digit phone number for suicidal crisis and other behavioral health crises.
988 is available around the clock, 365 days a year for anyone who needs help or just needs to talk. Calls to the line go to specialized counselors at local crisis call centers who provide free, confidential advice and emotional support for people in distress.
MENTAL HEALTH AND SUBSTANCE USE
CRISIS SERVICES FOR ANYONE, ANYWHERE, ANYTIME.
Latest News
988 Is Helping Marylanders
Call volume to 988 has increased 40%, nationwide since July 2022.
80% of calls to 988 are resolved over the phone.
Less than 1% result in involuntary transfer to 911 because of serious risk to life.
To fully serve all residents of Maryland, the state is taking steps to make sure our 988 network has the resources it needs.
It has provided funding and coordination, but more support is needed to realize the opportunity provided by the new 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline.
The MD988 Fund Campaign works to secure dedicated funding to support the continuum of behavioral health crisis services to meet Maryland’s needs.
MARYLAND NEEDS MORE FUNDING FOR 988 SO NO ONE’S CALL FOR HELP GOES UNANSWERED.
Partners
Learn about the organizations supporting Maryland 988.