988

The launch of 988 is something that’s been celebrated as a long-time need by mental health advocates and law enforcement agents. But rolling out the service is proving to be complicated.

In Illinois, providers hope the Living Room model will help fill the gap in mental health services, as the nation’s new mental health crisis number, 988, rolls out this month.

America’s new national mental health crisis line — 988 — is going live on July 16. The new 3-digit hotline is supposed to make it easy for people struggling with addiction, suicide and mental illness to get help fast. But with just weeks to go, hundreds of positions remain unfilled.