Hawaii health officials are promoting the 988 crisis line, a reminder that free mental health help is a three-digit call or text away for anyone who needs it.

• 988 is the national suicide and crisis lifeline, replacing the old ten-digit number since 2022.
• It covers any mental health, emotional, or substance use struggle — big or small, crisis or not.
• Unlike 911, which follows a set protocol to send first responders, 988 lets the caller lead the conversation.
• Friends, family, strangers, and providers can call on someone else's behalf, or call together with them.
• This year's theme is "988 reasons," meaning no reason is too small to reach out; Hawaii's local resources are at hawaiicares.gov.

Outlook: Expect continued public awareness pushes as officials work to make the number as familiar as 911.