Maryland 911 Vs. 988: Knowing The Difference Could Save A Life

CALIFORNIA, Md. — Knowing which number to call during a crisis can save valuable time. Many Maryland residents are familiar with 911 for emergencies, but the nationwide 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline offers another option for people facing mental health, emotional or substance use crises.

Understanding the difference between Maryland 911 vs 988 can help families, friends and neighbors respond more effectively when someone needs immediate help. While each service has an important role, they are designed for different situations.

What Is 911?

Call 911 when there is an immediate threat to life, health or public safety. Emergency dispatchers can send police, firefighters or emergency medical services based on the situation.

If you are unsure whether a situation is life-threatening, it is usually safer to call 911. Dispatchers are trained to ask questions and determine the appropriate response.

What Is 988?

The 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline connects people experiencing mental health, emotional or substance use crises with trained crisis counselors. Congress designated the 988 number in 2020 to build on the former National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, and the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), the federal agency that oversees the service, describes it as a direct connection to support for anyone in crisis, available 24/7 by call, text or chat.

Maryland activated its 988 crisis line in July 2022. The Maryland Department of Health (MDH) says the Lifeline offers free, confidential help for people struggling with anxiety, depression, or problems with drugs or alcohol, and that it is integrated into the state’s broader behavioral health crisis system.

People can also reach out if they are concerned about someone else. In many situations, family members or friends are unsure how to respond. A trained counselor can help them think through next steps. The Lifeline provides service in English and Spanish, with translation available in more than 150 additional languages, and veterans can reach the Veterans Crisis Line by calling 988 and pressing 1, according to MDH.

The Biggest Difference Between Maryland 911 vs 988

The key distinction is the level of immediate danger.

If someone needs emergency medical care or there is an immediate threat to life or safety, call 911.

If someone is experiencing a mental health or emotional crisis but there is no immediate danger requiring emergency responders, 988 is often the better starting point. Directing non-life-threatening behavioral health calls to 988 allows police and emergency medical services to be reserved for situations where lives are in danger, according to the Maryland Department of Health’s Behavioral Health Administration.

Every situation is different. Sometimes a mental health crisis can quickly become a medical emergency. If conditions change and someone becomes unsafe, loses consciousness or faces an immediate risk of serious injury, calling 911 is appropriate.

What Happens When You Call?

When you call 911, an emergency dispatcher gathers information about your location and the nature of the emergency before sending the appropriate responders.

When you contact 988, a trained crisis counselor listens, asks questions about the situation and works with the caller to understand what support is needed. SAMHSA says the 988 response is designed to promote stabilization and de-escalation in the least restrictive way possible, and that most crises are resolved by counselors working directly with the caller, without involving law enforcement, according to the agency’s 988 frequently asked questions page.

The goal of 988 is to help people through a crisis while identifying the safest and most appropriate next steps.

What If You Are Not Sure Which Number To Use?

Many people hesitate because they worry about making the wrong decision.

If the answer to any of those questions is yes, call 911.

If the primary concern is emotional distress, suicidal thoughts, anxiety, depression or another mental health crisis without immediate danger, 988 may be the more appropriate resource.

Other Crisis Resources In Maryland

Maryland residents also have access to local behavioral health providers, hospital emergency departments, county health departments and community organizations that offer crisis support. Availability may differ by county, including St. Mary’s, Calvert, Charles, Anne Arundel and Baltimore-area communities.

The Maryland Department of Health’s Office of Suicide Prevention, part of the Behavioral Health Administration, focuses on prevention programming but directs anyone who wants to talk to a counselor or who needs emergency care to 988 or 911, respectively. The Maryland Judiciary also maintains a public resource page on 988 for court-involved individuals and families who may encounter the courts during a behavioral health crisis.

If someone is receiving ongoing mental health treatment, contacting their therapist, psychiatrist or care team may also be appropriate when the situation is urgent but not immediately life-threatening.

For children and teenagers, parents and caregivers can often seek guidance through pediatricians, school counselors or behavioral health providers in addition to crisis services.

Preparing Before A Crisis Happens

It is easier to make good decisions during an emergency when everyone knows the available resources ahead of time.

Consider saving both 911 and 988 in your phone contacts. Families may also want to discuss who to call, where medications are kept and what medical or mental health information should be shared during an emergency.

Older adults, college students and people living alone may benefit from having a trusted family member or friend who knows how to respond if a crisis develops.

A Simple Way To Remember

Think of 911 as the number for immediate emergencies involving threats to life, serious injury or public safety.

Think of 988 as the number for immediate mental health and emotional crisis support when emergency medical or law enforcement intervention is not the primary need.

Both services exist to help people during difficult moments. Knowing the difference between Maryland 911 vs 988 can help residents across Southern Maryland, Anne Arundel County, Baltimore and the Washington region respond quickly and connect people with the support that best matches the situation.

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I call 911 instead of 988? Call 911 if there is an immediate threat to life, a serious injury, a medical emergency or an active danger to public safety. If you believe someone needs emergency responders right away, 911 is the appropriate choice.

Can I call 988 for someone else? Yes. If you are concerned about a friend, family member or another person experiencing a mental health or emotional crisis, you can contact 988 for guidance and support.

What if I am not sure whether a situation is an emergency? If you believe someone may be in immediate physical danger, call 911. If the concern is primarily a mental health or emotional crisis without immediate danger, 988 can provide support and help determine next steps.

Does Maryland have local crisis resources beyond 911 and 988? Yes. Maryland communities have behavioral health providers, hospitals, county health departments and other organizations that may offer crisis support and follow-up care depending on where you live.

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