The alternative number is the one they're trying so desperately to get out to the public. 1-800-273-TALK (8255)

SAMHSA's pdf release sounds like the orig. non profit that was contracted for the toll free number did NOT submit a proposal to continue on with their hosting of that number. SAMHSA states that they have been and are continuing to take responsibility for maintaining 1-800-SUICIDE as a public service. YET....they do not say anything about whether or not it will continue.........only the public announcements of the new number to use 1-800-273-TALK (8255).

let us hope that ppl are not lost in this fray as the numbers shift. gotta say the older number is easier to remember in a time of crisis. hope they figure this out and can find funding if necessary.

too bad the non profit systems and gov. entities tend to be ladden with red tape, finger pointing and other non supportive ways of being.

we've heard the frustrations from ppl who have received busy signals when calling hotlines and even those who have called numbers that have been disconnected.

we're hoping that not a single person suffers because of this mix-up over who is paying for what number and who wrote proposals for which contract. stop bickering and return to saving lives and educating the public about suicide.........instead of educating us about internal conflicts within SAMHSA and their subcontractors!