For those who have called 1-800-SUICIDE in the past, or might in the future....I found this really interesting.

There is a NEW federally sponsored number to call for suicide crisis - 1-800-273-TALK (8255).

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If you need help for yourself, a friend, or family member, call 1-800-273-TALK (8255) right away.

Call for yourself.
Call for someone you care about.
Call to talk.
Call to get help.
Call to save a life.
We can help:

The hotline is staffed by trained counselors,
We are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week,
We have information about support services that can help you.

TTY Users
If you are a TTY user, please use our TTY number: 1-800-799-4TTY (4889)

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Here is a link to info on the new number:

http://www.suicidepreventionlifeline.org/default.aspx

I also found this FAQ which explains the change, almost. I'm surprised that I haven't heard about this elsewhere. The FAQ does not explain what happens to callers of the old number.

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Q: Is the Lifeline related to other suicide prevention services, such as 1-800-SUICIDE?
A: 1-800-SUICIDE was a Federal grant program funded through the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) for the standard 3-year period. At the end of that period, the grant to fund the hotline was bid on and won by a new organization. Anticipating that 1-800-SUICIDE would not be available as the number for the national suicide prevention hotline network, SAMHSA developed a new name (the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline) and number (1-800-273-TALK) that would be available to the national network. Rights to this name and number are controlled by SAMHSA on behalf of the American people.

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I called the new number just to be sure it's working, and was connected appropriately to a lovely woman. She did not know about the change, and thought she was answering a call to 800 SUICIDE. Hmm.

If I find out anything more, I'll post it.

Emmy