You’ve probably seen it on the back of your school ID, a short number: 988. Maybe you didn’t think much of it, or maybe you’ve never noticed it at all. But that three-digit number could be one of the most important things you carry with you.
So what exactly is 988, and why is it on every student’s ID?
What is 988?
988 is the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.
It’s a free, 24/7 hotline you can call or text if you’re feeling anxious, depressed, overwhelmed, or even just need someone to talk to. It connects you to trained mental health professionals who are there to listen and help — not judge.
It’s kind of like 911, but for your mental and emotional health, “I think it’s helpful because it gives students someone to call if they don’t feel comfortable talking to someone, and it’s easy access for students to connect to,” Shelby Farris (12) said.
Why Is It on Our IDs?
In 2023, Colorado passed a law requiring every public and private school to include the 988 Mental Health Line and Colorado Crisis Services on student ID cards. That means the number is printed somewhere you’ll always have it — just in case.
Englewood High even adds Safe2Tell, an anonymous reporting system where students or adults can report threats, bullying, or safety concerns.
But here’s the thing: a lot of students don’t know what these numbers are for — or that they can actually use them.
We talked to EHS counselor Dawn Cominsky, who sees firsthand how important these resources are.
“There’s a lot of need here,” she said. “Many of our kids have gone through trauma or stress and don’t always know how to deal with it. That’s what 988 is for — so kids have someone to talk to, 24 hours a day.”
A National Change and Colorado’s Response
Until recently, students who called 988 could press “3” to reach a counselor specially trained to help LGBTQ+ youth. That service is now gone. The federal government ended the “Press 3” option this summer.
“As a counselor who works with high school students, it just broke my heart,” Cominsky said. “I can’t imagine why that support was cut when so many young adults need it.”
Colorado, however, chose to step up. The state now funds and staffs its own version of the 988 lifeline. That means when Colorado students call or text, they can still talk to someone who understands what local teens are going through.
“Colorado has seen a need,” Cominsky said. “With everything from gun violence to suicide to financial stress — they knew this help couldn’t go away.”
More Support You Might Not Know About
The 988 line isn’t the only mental health help available to students in our state:
- I Matter Colorado – Gives all Colorado students access to six free therapy sessions, either in person or online. No insurance needed. Visit imattercolorado.org to sign up.
- Safe2Tell – A totally anonymous way to report threats, bullying, violence, or anything unsafe. In the 2024–25 school year, Colorado students submitted over 30,000 reports using this service.
- 988 Colorado – Whether you’re dealing with anxiety, depression, suicidal thoughts, substance use, or just a tough day, the line is always open. You can call or text 988 or use the live chat at 988lifeline.org.
Why This Number Matters
Some people think asking for help makes you weak. But the truth is, asking for help is one of the strongest things you can do — especially when you don’t feel okay.
That’s why Cominsky believes the number on your ID is more powerful than it might seem.
“You never know who’s struggling,” she said. “And now that 988 is printed on every student’s ID, it’s right there if someone needs it — even if they’ve never talked to a counselor before.”
So the next time you look at your school ID, remember: that little number could make a huge difference — maybe even save a life.
Need help now?
988 – Call or text anytime for mental health support
988lifeline.org – 24/7 live chat with a trained counselor
Free therapy for students: imattercolorado.org
Safe2Tell: 1-877-542-7233 or safe2tell.org
