One thing to know is they do not use geolocation like 911 does so while you call 988 you are connected to the "local" provider based on the area code of the number you are calling from. If you are using a number with an out of area area code you will be directed to an answering service that will likely not be able to give you local information. Do not give up you might need to make another call to get local help.
Qaqueen73 t1_j4of8jg wrote
Reply to New suicide hotline 3 digit 988 receiving half a million more calls texts, and chats since starting than prior 10 digit number by Inkling2424
One thing to know is they do not use geolocation like 911 does so while you call 988 you are connected to the "local" provider based on the area code of the number you are calling from. If you are using a number with an out of area area code you will be directed to an answering service that will likely not be able to give you local information. Do not give up you might need to make another call to get local help.