New 988 Mental Health Emergency Number

Starting JULY 16, 2022, 988 will be the nationwide number to call when there is a behavioral health crisis for people of all ages.  988 was signed into Federal law in 2020 and will be used in every state. 911 will still be used for other emergencies but 988 will be an easy-to-access portal into the behavioral /mental health system.

The promise of 988 could be a game changer for families and individuals facing behavioral health emergencies.  Instead of blue lights coming down your street, a 24/7 Moblie Response Team consisting of a mental health counselor and a peer support person will be called by the 988 dispatcher to respond to the call which may be able to de-escalate the situation, arrange for transportation for crisis stabilization and connect people to services.

In Monroe County, the Mobile Response Team (MRT) is provided by the Guidance Care Center by calling 305-434-7660, option #8 but starting July 16, simply call 988 to access the MRT.  Further information can be found at reimaginecrisis.org.