City of Alexandria and localities across Virginia continue to promote direct lines to help.  

For Immediate Release: July 26, 2022 
This release has been updated to provide the direct phone line to PRS CrisisLink.

Too many people have been experiencing suicidal crises or mental health-related distress without access to the care they need, and the COVID-19 pandemic has increased this need. The urgent reality driving crisis service transformation across the country is reflected in the 2020 statistic that the U.S. had one death by suicide every 11 minutes that year.  

The 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline rolled out nationally on July 16, 2022. The new 988 phone line operates through the former National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, a network of 200 locally operated and funded crisis call centers.  

While transition to 988 is an important step to strengthen crisis care across the country, a transformation of this scale will take time. The geolocation service has not been implemented yet by the Federal Communications Commission, which means that cell phone callers in Northern Virginia may be routed -- based on their cell phone area code -- to a response center outside of their residential area.   

Due to these pending geolocation capability services, and a 988 staffing shortage, the City of Alexandria and localities across Virginia -- where residents have a range of national area codes -- continue to promote their direct lines to local crisis support:  

PRS CrisisLink at 703.527.4077.  PRS is a nonprofit that provides behavioral health, crisis intervention and suicide prevention services. For callers using TTY, dial 711. To text, text the word Connect to 85511. In addition, City services include Emergency Services, available 24/7 by calling 703.746.3401 and asking for an Emergency Services clinician.  available 24/7 by calling 703.746.3401 and asking for an Emergency Services clinician.   

PRS CrisisLink, as well as 988, offer 24/7 access to crisis counselors who can help individuals experiencing mental health-related distress. This includes thoughts of suicide, a mental health or substance use crisis, or any other kind of emotional distress. People can contact the crisis line for themselves or for someone they care about who may need help. 

Northern Virginia localities anticipate a full rollout of 988 in the summer of 2023. The goal is for 988 to continue to evolve over time in the provision of rapid mental health support, much like 911 and emergency medical services have grown to provide someone to call, someone to respond, and a safe place to go for appropriate care. 

Learn more about the warning signs of suicide and prevention, including Lock & Talk and a range of resources. For those interested in being part of this life-saving work, visit the 988 jobs page. Also consider helping by volunteering or donating to support the local PRS CrisisLink. 

Visit alexandriava.gov/DCHS for more information. 

For inquiries from the news media only, contact the Office of Communications & Public Information at newsroom@alexandriava.gov or 703.746.3969. 

For reasonable disability accommodation, contact maurice.tomdio@alexandriava.gov or call 571.384.5244, Virginia Relay 711. 

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This news release is available at alexandriava.gov/go/3850.