988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline
Call, text, or chat online
Formerly known as theĀ National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, theĀ 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline is available to anyone experiencing a mental health challenge. Support can be offered to those experiencing the challenge or crisis, or their loved ones.
Supported by a national network, no call, chat, or text goes unanswered.
You can contact 988 for reasons such as…
- Thoughts of suicide, or concerned for another
- Intense anxiety or panic attacks
- Problem substance use
- Problem gambling
- Distressing emotions related to work, relationships, or finances
- Trouble falling asleep or staying asleep due to intrusive thoughts
- Feeling isolated or lonely
Answered locally by FirstLink
FirstLink is based in Fargo, North Dakota. Our organization is the designated center for all 9-8-8 interactions originating from the entire state of North Dakota and parts of northwestern Minnesota.
We get it. Our team is here with you. We understand the rural nature of our state. We understand the winters. You can trust that calling 9-8-8 is like talking to a concerned neighbor. We may not understand everything you’ve experienced prior to reaching out, but we are here with you.
FirstLink has been accredited by the American Association of Suicidology since 1987.Ā This accreditation is reflective of our hard work building a compassionate team of call takers and following evidence-based practices for offering support.
211 Information & Referral Helpline
Call, text, or search our resource directory
FirstLink’sĀ 211 Information & Referral Helpline is available to provide resource information to help-seekers across the state of North Dakota and Clay County, Minnesota.
Available by calling 2-1-1 or texting your zip code to 898-211, our Call Specialists are ready to provide supportive listening and referrals to helpful resources. Our resource directory can also be searched online!
You can contact 211 for resources such as…
- Rent or utility financial assistance
- Food pantries or nutrition assistance programs
- Community information including libraries, government offices, and schools
- Gas vouchers
- Local thrift stores or clothing vouchers
- General legal aid
Making meaningful connections
Make 2-1-1 your first linkĀ to helpful resource information. FirstLink maintains a community resource directory with over 5,400 programs across our service area.
Our directory isn’t just vast;Ā it’s accessible, effective, and accurate.
FirstLink’s Community Resources team works diligently to review and verify resource information at least once per year. We collect useful information such as documents required, eligibility criteria, insurances accepted, and even if the service is located near a bus stop. We will help you identify, access, and make effective use of local resources.
FirstLink has been accredited by InformUSA (formerly the Alliance of Information and Referral Systems) since 2009. This accreditation is testament to our well-organized and up to date resource directory. We also have a team of staff who have received individual InformUSA certification upon demonstrating a strong ability to offer relevant resource information in an unbiased manner.
