WASHINGTON – Verizon's landline customers can now call the "988 Suicide and Crisis Prevention Lifeline" using the new 988 abbreviated dialing code. Wireless customers can also send text messages to the 988 short code.

Verizon's wireless customers have been able to dial 9-8-8 for voice calls since December 2020. Starting July 16, 2022, all of the company's landline customers can dial 9-8-8 for voice calls, and wireless customers with text messaging plans can also send a text message to 988.

As part of this new feature:

Wireless callers should dial 9-8-8 just as they dial any other three-digit code like 911 or 211. There are no airtime or other charges.

To reach the Lifeline via wireless text message, they should enter "988" as the recipient and initiate their conversation with the Lifeline, just as they send any other text message. There are no charges for 988 texts.

Landline callers should dial 9-8-8, just as they dial any other three-digit code.*

For voice calls, callers can press "1" to reach the Veterans Crisis Line, and "2" for Spanish language support. And the Lifeline's current toll free number – 1-800-273-8255 – remains available.

More information about 988 is available from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services at: www.samhsa.gov/find-help/988

Read the full press release here.

Verizon