States prep for 988 mental health hotline’s national debut

A three-digit mental health crisis line launches Saturday with the ambitious goals of reducing emergency department visits and encounters with law enforcement and providing ongoing care for those experiencing mental health crises.

But in many states, aspirations are a way off from being a reality.

People seeking help will be able to text or call 988 to contact trained counselors through the existing National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, a…