During a recent interview with Michelle Romans from the Williams County Dispatch Center, I learned of a little-known resource that could be a game-changer for those facing a crisis in North Dakota. It’s called the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, and it’s more than just a phone number—it’s a lifeline of hope and help.

9-8-8 ND
Canva
loading...
9-8-8 ND

So, what makes 988 special? When you call, a trained crisis counselor is on the other end, ready to listen, provide support, and share resources if needed. If your local crisis center is swamped, don’t worry—you’ll be routed to a national backup center.

Meet the Mobile Crisis Team: Superheroes of Stability

But the support doesn’t stop at a phone call. If more help is needed, 988 connects you to services like the mobile crisis team, which sounds a bit like superheroes with a mission to stabilize situations quickly. These teams can meet people wherever they are—in their home, at work, or even in a school hallway. They help assess risks, connect individuals to resources, and provide after-crisis care.

Crisis Facilities: A 24/7 Safe Haven for Support and Recovery

For those needing in-person help, crisis facilities in Bismarck, Fargo, and Jamestown are open 24/7. Think of them as a safe haven for anyone needing recovery-focused services, whether that’s supportive therapy, overnight stays, or help managing withdrawal. And for a more routine check-in, all human service centers statewide offer behavioral health screenings during business hours.

9-8-8 ND
Canva
loading...
9-8-8 ND

Now, here’s something cool: even individuals with intellectual or developmental disabilities can find tailored support through the Developmental Disabilities CARES Response Team. They offer stabilization and services within 24 hours of a call—proof that 988 truly aims to serve everyone.

How 988 Bridges the Gap Between 911 and 211 for Mental Health Support

You might be wondering how 988 differs from other numbers like 911 or 211. While 911 handles emergencies and 211 offers health and social service assistance, 988 bridges the gap for mental health crises. With coordination between these systems, there’s no wrong door to help.

Michelle Romans’ insight was clear: the 988 Lifeline is about more than crisis resolution—it’s about offering a beacon of hope. Whether you need someone to talk to or a mobile team to meet you, North Dakota’s got your back.

So, if you or someone you know needs help, remember three numbers: 9-8-8. It’s not just a call—it’s a connection.

QUIZ: Can You Guess the Iconic TV Show From Just One Opening Freeze-Frame?

Think you’re the ultimate TV fan? How well do you know your classic TV intros? Put your knowledge to the test with our quiz. We’ll show you a freeze-frame from the opening credits of an iconic TV show—take your best guess, then scroll to see if you were right and watch the full opening. Good luck!

Gallery Credit: Stephen Lenz

Totally ’80s: The Pictures That Take You Back

Take a nostalgic journey through the '80s with these iconic photos—capturing the fashion, toys, and unforgettable news events that left a lasting impact on a generation. Keep scrolling to relive the moments that defined the decade.

Gallery Credit: Stephen Lenz

More From KEYZ AM 660