Dial 9-8-8 for 24-hour Behavioral Healthcare and Support

9-8-8 is a three-digit number that routes callers to the National Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. When an individual calls or texts 9-8-8, they are connected to trained counselors who will listen, provide support, and connect them with necessary resources. 9-8-8 is active in Fairfax County and across the United States.

 

What You Need to Know

• Dialing or texting 9-8-8 will connect you to free behavioral health care and support 24 hours a day. Chat (English only) is also available through the Lifeline’s website at: 988lifeline.org/chat.
• 9-8-8 is a direct connection to support for anyone experiencing behavioral health-related distress as well as those concerned about a loved one.
• Callers may be experiencing:
  • Thoughts of suicide,
  • Mental health or substance use concerns or
  • Any other kind of emotional distress.
• The Commonwealth of Virginia continues to build capacity and infrastructure:
  • To support 9-8-8 and the Commonwealth’s comprehensive crisis support system commonly referred to as Marcus Alert.
  • To enhance community-based crisis services.
• Fairfax County continues to respond to community needs and expand crisis services. At the Merrifield Crisis Response Center (open 24/7) at the Sharon Bulova Center for Community Health, operated by the Community Services Board (CSB), walk-in emergency behavioral health assistance is available day and night, 365 days a year.

 

Background

9-8-8 serves as a universal entry point across the nation—no matter where you live in the United States, you can reach a trained crisis counselor who can help. In 2020, Congress designated the 9-8-8 dialing code and the 200 locally operated crisis hotlines across the country that make up the 9-8-8 network expanded their services to include assistance for anyone in a crisis, including any mental health or substance use concern. In Fairfax County, the local 9-8-8 Center is operated by PRS, Inc.

A transformation in crisis services is happening both nationally and in the Commonwealth of Virginia. The Virginia Department of Behavioral Health & Developmental Services (DBHDS) and the Virginia Department of Criminal Justice Services are collaborating on implementation of the Marcus David-Peters Act enacted in 2020 (commonly referred to as “Marcus Alert”). The Act requires 9-1-1, crisis call centers, law enforcement and behavioral health agencies to work together to improve crisis response in Virginia communities. Requirements in the Act are being phased in across the Commonwealth through 2028. The aim of Marcus Alert is to support a behavioral health response to a behavioral health crisis. Enhanced community-based crisis services are included with shared protocols to triage care based on need and resources available. The result will provide the right response at the right time for a behavioral health crisis.

 

Fairfax County Resources

• CSB Emergency Services, Open 24/7: 703-573-5679
• CSB Detox Services, Open 24/7: 703-502-7000
• Suicide and Crisis Hotline/Regional Crisis Call Center, Open 24/7: 9-8-8 or 703-527-4097, or Text “Connect” to 85511
• Peer Recovery Centers at four sites across the Fairfax County, including the Sharon Bulova Center. Call 1-800-374-4198 for services, hours, and locations
• Coordinated Services Planning (Emergency assistance for basic needs, food assistance, emergency shelter, etc.), Open M - F, 8:00 - 4:30 p.m., 703-222-0880