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Immediate danger or medical emergency? Call 9-1-1 now. Use 9-1-1 when immediate assistance is needed from police, the fire department, or an ambulance. |
Which Number Should You Use?
Match the number to the need
Whole-Person Care
The numbers are different—but they work as a connected safety net
A person may face more than one need at the same time. Emergency responders, crisis counselors, and community-resource specialists each serve a different role, and people may be connected or referred to another service when appropriate.
More Ways to Connect
Call, text, chat, or search
Be prepared to provide the location, the phone number you are calling from, and the nature of the emergency.
A trained counselor will ask about safety, listen, provide support, and share helpful resources when appropriate.
CALL TEXT CHAT ONLINEDial 2-1-1 or 877-541-7905. Online searches work best when a need and ZIP code or county are provided.
CALL 2-1-1 877-541-7905 SEARCH 2-1-1 TEXASShare the Numbers
Central Texas help-at-a-glance graphics
Open either image at full size for presentations, employee education, partner outreach, community events, or personal reference.
Helping Someone Else?
You can call because you are concerned about another person
Use 9-1-1 when someone is in immediate danger. Contact 9-8-8 for crisis support or guidance about helping a person in emotional distress. Use 2-1-1 to locate community programs that may help address essential needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Understanding the three numbers
What is the clearest difference between 9-1-1 and 9-8-8?
Call 9-1-1 when immediate police, fire, or ambulance assistance is needed. Call or text 9-8-8 for emotional distress, suicidal crisis, mental-health struggles, substance-use concerns, or when someone needs a trained crisis counselor.
Do I have to be suicidal to contact 9-8-8?
No. The 9-8-8 Lifeline supports people experiencing emotional distress or difficult moments, even when they are not thinking about suicide.
What can 2-1-1 help me find?
2-1-1 Texas connects residents with information about food, housing, utilities, health care, child care, transportation, benefits, crisis counseling, substance-use treatment, and many other community services.
What if my phone does not connect when I dial 2-1-1?
Call the statewide toll-free number at 877-541-7905 or search the 2-1-1 Texas website.
Are these services available all day?
9-8-8 and 2-1-1 Texas describe their services as available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Emergency 9-1-1 service is available for immediate emergencies.