The 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline provides care to ASL speakers through videophones

The 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline will now be available to the deaf and hard of hearing community, without an interpreter, using ASL technology. 

Secretary Beccera, along with the Biden-Haris Administration, want to reduce the stigmatization of mental health and make care available to everyone. 

“Nine in ten Americans believe America is facing a mental health crisis," said HHS Secretary Xavier Becerra in response to the CDC's suicide death data reported for 2022, but now, thanks to the Lifeline's use of a videophone--a device transmitting video and audio-- all callers can easily access the confidential support they need. 

To reach a counselor communicating in American Sign Language, users will need to access 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline's website, click on 'ASL Now' and key in 1-800-273-TALK (8255).

Texting is available at any time by texting 988.

Review the security and term of service if calling from a videophone.

With a national network of over 200 crisis centers, the Lifeline endeavors to offer guidance, produce partnerships and give care to anyone seeking help. 

This inclusivity toward ASL speakers is the lifeline's next step to reach all Americans, coming after their text and chat features for Spanish speakers. 

“These numbers are a sobering reminder of how urgent it is that we further expand access to mental health care, address the root causes of mental health struggles, and recognize the importance of checking on and supporting one another," said U.S. Surgeon General Vivek Murthy, M.D., M.B.A.

If you or a loved one are looking for help, contact the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.

Consider these five actions steps to support someone in crisis.

Ask: Asking and talking about suicide may in fact reduce rather than increase suicidal ideation.

Help keep them safe: Reducing a suicidal person’s access to lethal means is an important part of suicide prevention.

Be there: Increasing someone’s connectedness to others and limiting their isolation has shown to be a protective factor against suicide.

Help them connect: Individuals that called the 988 Lifeline were significantly more likely to feel less depressed, less suicidal, less overwhelmed, and more hopeful by the end of calls.

Follow up: After you’ve connected a person experiencing thoughts of suicide with the immediate support systems that they need, following-up with them to see how they’re doing can help increase their feelings of connectedness and support. There’s evidence that even a simple form of reaching out can potentially reduce that person’s risk for suicide.