A Strong Crisis Response
System

The 988 Helpline is available 24/7, 365 days a year for anyone who needs help or just needs to talk. Learn about Maryland’s Campaign to strengthen the 988 Helpline and the crisis response continuum.

Maryland Passes Landmark Legislation to Permanently Fund the 988 Trust Fund!

Strong bipartisan majorities supported the legislation which will fund the state’s 988 helpline system for years to come. Many thanks to our 988 champions in the Maryland General Assembly and to all the members of the Maryland 988 Campaign.

All Marylanders deserve equitable, timely, and effective mental health and substance use care, including help in times of crisis.

In July 2022, 988 became the nation’s first three-digit phone number for suicidal crisis and other behavioral health crises.


988 is available around the clock, 365 days a year for anyone who needs help or just needs to talk. Calls to the line go to specialized counselors at local crisis call centers who provide free, confidential advice and emotional support for people in distress.

MENTAL HEALTH AND SUBSTANCE USE
CRISIS SERVICES FOR ANYONE, ANYWHERE, ANYTIME.

Latest News

988 Is Helping Marylanders

Call volume to 988 has increased 80%, nationwide since July 2022.

80% of calls to 988 are resolved over the phone.

Less than 1% result in involuntary transfer to 911 because of serious risk to life.

Partners

Learn about the organizations supporting Maryland 988.