State adds peer support option to 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline

The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services will unveil Tuesday a new way to get help for those calling the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline.

The statewide Peer Warmline offers non-clinical support provided by people who are in recovery with mental health or substance abuse issues, or both.

The Peer Warmline can be reached as an option through the 988 Suicide and Crisis lifeline or by a direct number: 1-855-PEERS NC (1-855-733-7762). It’s run by the Mecklenburg County-based Promise Resource Network, a peer-support organization.

State officials say the line will be available 24 hours a day seven days a week. 

The warmline works in tandem with 988, a service that began in July 2022 to connect people to trained crisis counselors. 

Health officials say the peer service is for people who may want help from someone who has been through a situation similar to their own.

988 is available in English and Spanish. The warmline will initially be available only in English.