Who are you calling?

By Alex P. Vidal

“Sometimes the only way to stay sane is to go a little crazy.” – Susanna Kaysen, Girl, Interrupted

IF I hadn’t been invited to attend the in-person Adult Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) training at PSS Home Care in Whitestone, New York City, on Aug. 24, I wouldn’t have known what 988 is all about or why and when to call it. I beg your pardon.

Now that we are celebrating Suicide Prevention Month, it’s imperative that we understand why there’s a need to remember 988 and why the three numbers may play a key role even after September.

What’s the difference between 911 and 988 in the first place?

What we know is that in the U.S. and Canada, 911 is the primary emergency telephone number for police, fire, and medical assistance; we call 911 for immediate physical danger.

On the other hand, we call or text 988 for mental health, emotional distress, or substance use crises in the U.S., while Canada operates its own 9-8-8 Suicide Crisis Helpline.

The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that more than 720,000 people die by suicide globally each year, while official national totals for 2026 are not yet finalized.

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The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that annual U.S. suicides have historically been around 48,000 to 49,000 deaths per year, but finalized data for the current year take many months to process and verify.

Data show that 5.5% of U.S. adults have serious thoughts of suicide each year, while 93,452 people connected with the NAMI HelpLine in 2025. Three in four people who contacted 988 reported receiving the help they needed.

If we or someone we know is struggling or in crisis, help is available in the U.S. by calling or texting 988 to reach the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Services are free and confidential, according to the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI).

NAMI recognizes Suicide Prevention Month each September as a time to raise awareness, spread hope, and spark meaningful action around one of the most urgent mental health issues of our time.

Its goal is to ensure that individuals, friends, and families have access to the tools, resources, and support they need to talk openly about suicide prevention, recognize warning signs, and seek help.

NAMI emphasizes that reaching out for support can be the start of a new journey forward.

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“Whether you are experiencing thoughts of suicide or supporting a loved one, there is help available. Take time today to explore help options, learn about contributing risks to suicide, download resources, and more,” NAMI stated on its website.

It was Jeanne Cacciatore, program director of Family and Children’s Association (FCA) Senior MH Awareness Training Program, Elder Abuse EMDT, and Safe Observant Senior Program (SOS), who explained to MHFA participants that a skilled counselor will say hello, introduce themselves, and ask if we are safe when we are connected to 988.

They will ask about our safety, remain calm and comforting, listen to us, provide support, and may also share helpful resources.

According to NAMI, suicide is still too often met with silence, stigma, or shame.

“At NAMI, we believe that silence should never be the response to someone’s pain. That’s why we’re working tirelessly to change that. This September, you can be the difference,” explained NAMI.

“With one conversation, asking someone how they’re really doing — and being ready to truly listen—can save lives. Because here’s what we know: No one has to face this alone. Help exists. Healing is possible. And all it can take is for one person to start a conversation.”

(The author, who is now based in New York City, used to be the editor-in-chief of two leading daily newspapers in Iloilo, Philippines. — Ed.)