On July 16, 2022, the three-digit 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline rolled out nationally from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA).
The Fort Smith Police Department has been preparing for this day and wants citizens to be aware this is available in Fort Smith to anyone that may require this type of assistance.
This program is yet another facet in our commitment to addressing the mental health needs of Fort Smith.
988 is able to connect a person in crisis to a counselor trained in addressing their needs and getting them the appropriate care.
This program can collaborate with 911 dispatchers in our area to have teams such as the FSPD Crisis Intervention Unit respond to assist, or any other local resource that may be necessary to aid a person that is suicidal or in another state of crisis.
Remember, when you have a police, fire, or medical emergency, you dial 911. When you have an urgent mental health need, you call 988.
