"988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline Enhances Accessibility with ASL Services for Deaf and Hard of Hearing Callers"

The 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline in the US has launched American Sign Language (ASL) services for callers who are deaf, deaf-blind, or hard of hearing. ASL users can now connect with a trained ASL counselor by clicking on the "ASL Now" button on the 988 Lifeline website or by calling 1-800-273-TALK (8255) from their videophone. The launch of ASL services is part of an effort to make behavioral health care more accessible for underserved groups. The 988 Lifeline, which received nearly 5 million calls, texts, and online chat messages in its first year, is supported by the US Department of Health and Human Services and has received significant funding from the Biden administration.