The 9-8-8 direct, national three-digit line went live July 16, 2022, and accepts calls, texts, and chats. Trained staff members answer all calls, texts, and chats 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year, addressing immediate needs and helping connect individuals with care resources. The goal is for 9-8-8 to become as commonly used as 9-1-1, providing appropriate mental health crisis responses for all Georgians.
Though it began in the 1960s, it took 30 years for 93% of the U.S. population to have 9-1-1 service coverage. The new 9-8-8 service will grow and evolve just as 9-1-1 has.
For more information, please see the website linked here.