The 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline adds nationwide ASL services for Deaf and Hard of Hearing callers

Pennsylvania implemented the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline last July. Like 911, it is simple to remember. This measure helped make it easier for people to access support during a mental health crisis nationwide.

Support has now expanded to include nationwide American Sign Language (ASL) services for people who are Deaf and Hard of Hearing. Callers who are Deaf, DeafBlind, DeafDisabled, Hard of Hearing, and Late-Deafened can connect directly to a trained 988 Lifeline counselor in ASL using these steps:

1. Visit 988lifeline.org.
2. Click the “ASL Now” button.
3. Follow the prompts.

Direct dialing to 988 from a videophone will be available soon. In the meantime, ASL callers can call 1-800-273-TALK (8255) from their videophone to reach ASL services.