988

The center is now seeking new volunteers to join its first training session of the year on Saturday. No prior experience or certification is required to join, and there are no training fees.

The money will pay for 10 staffers focused on handling 988 calls. Staff now are juggling those calls while also managing other helplines.

The Crisis Center of Tampa Bay has answered thousands of 988 calls since the launch, and CEO Clara Reynolds says emergency responders have only had to get involved about 2% of the time.

The 988 line is the centerpiece of a nationwide effort to unify responses to Americans experiencing mental health crises. But many people, especially in rural areas, will continue to find themselves far from help if they need more support than operators can offer.

Racial and ethnic minority groups are most likely to live in impoverished areas, where homicide and suicide rates are highest. Mental health leaders hope the 988 phone number will be so easy to remember that they'll get help before it's too late.

Proponents say the number will be easier to remember or dial in a crisis. They also hope it improves access to services, decreases unnecessary interactions with the police and saves lives.