In a significant stride toward inclusivity, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) announced an essential addition to the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline (988 Lifeline). Effective September 8th, nationwide American Sign Language (ASL) services were incorporated into the 988 Lifeline for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing community. This expansion is part of an ongoing commitment to enhance accessibility to behavioral health care, particularly for underserved communities.

Since its launch in July 2022, the 988 Lifeline has emerged as a critical resource, receiving over 5.5 million calls, texts, and chats. This achievement comes after a substantial investment of nearly $1 billion by the Biden-Harris Administration. Now, the Lifeline will extend its reach even further, providing essential support to the millions of Americans who rely on ASL as their primary means of communication.

This groundbreaking move underscores the dedication to breaking down barriers and ensuring that mental health and crisis support services are accessible to everyone, regardless of their communication needs. It’s a testament to the ongoing effort to create a more inclusive and supportive environment for all members of our society.

“Individuals across America who use ASL as their primary language can now readily access the support they need during a mental health crisis,” said HHS Secretary Xavier Becerra. “With the introduction of 988 ASL services, we are taking a significant stride forward in providing inclusive and accessible support for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing community. This is a testament to our ongoing commitment to ensure that no one is left behind when it comes to mental health support.”

To read more, please visit this page.