988 suicide hotline number to launch July 16

It will now become easier to reach the national suicide hotline.

With higher rates of depression and suicide – the national government has taken steps to make it easier to receive help in an emergency
situation.

The numbers 988 will replace the traditional 10-digit number to call. When you or someone else might feel the need to seek outside help, “going from a 10-digit number to a three-digit number for someone who is in crisis mode is a huge, huge thing so you no longer have to dial the 188273 talk, you’re dialing 988, and you have an immediate answer on that phone,” said Melanie Watts, director of community engagement at LifeSkills, Inc.

Kentucky’s call center will be stationed in Hopkinsville and service an 18-county region with a fully trained staff.

988 will be in service Saturday, July 16.