People experiencing a mental health crisis have a new way to reach out for help. You can simply call or text the numbers 9-8-8. Founder of the Center for Suicide Awareness in Wisconsin, Barb Bigalki, says the primary goal of the new number is to make it easier for people call for help. Currently the majoirty of people experiencing a mental health emergency end up dialing 911. Bigalki says the problem is that 911 wasn’t set up to address mental health needs. Mental health advocates hope 988 will be a widely known, safer and more effective alternative.
