Knowing the Difference Between 988 and 911
When a crisis happens, knowing which number to call can make all the difference. Both 988 and 911 are lifelines—but they serve very different purposes.
988 is the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. When you or someone you love is experiencing emotional distress, mental health concerns, or thoughts of suicide, dialing 988 connects you to trained crisis counselors. They provide:
Emotional support during moments of distress
Crisis de-escalation to help calm intense situations
Connection to local resources for ongoing support
Emergency response only when absolutely necessary
911, on the other hand, is the right number when there is:
An urgent threat to life or safety
A medical emergency such as heart attack, stroke, or severe injury
A crime in progress or immediate danger requiring police, fire, or medical intervention
In short:
Call 988 for emotional support and mental health crises
Call 911 for immediate threats to physical safety and medical emergencies
By understanding the difference, you ensure you or your loved ones get the right help, at the right time.