A Rutgers University call center is joining a new national hotline for mental health emergencies.

The center will be one of a dozen backup centers responding to overflow calls made to the new 988 crisis line. The call center goes operational on July 16.

The 988 crisis line is meant to be an alternative to calling the police during a mental health crisis. The goal is to “reform the official response to mental health emergencies” that have emerged since the COVID-19 pandemic and prolonged restrictions.

People in crisis can call or text the 988 lines 24-7 to be connected with a trained counselor.