In July of 2022, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) designated the three-digit number 988 as a national suicide and crisis lifeline. This lifeline aims to provide immediate support and assistance via call, text or chat to individuals in emotional distress. During its first year there have been some critical victories and some difficult challenges.
Similar to the widely recognized emergency number 911, 988 was created to make it easier for people in crisis to reach help when needed. 988 is also a national network of local centers, but instead of first responders or police, the crisis centers reached provide free and confidential emotional support to people in suicidal crisis or emotional distress 24 hours a day, seven days a week anywhere in the United States.
Since the implementation of 988, the lifeline has experienced a significant increase in call volume, with over 1.5 million calls received in the first six months alone. This surge in calls indicates that more people are reaching out for help when they need it, an encouraging sign for mental health advocacy and awareness. However, it is estimated that less than one in four Americans are aware of the Lifeline’s existence, highlighting the need for continued efforts to promote its availability.
Successes and Challenges
According to Bob Gebbia, CEO of American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP), “A year ago, when 988 first launched, many experts wondered if the demand would outpace capacity. Today, we know 988 had a successful first year, with four million people reaching out for help. Even with a 40% increase in call, text and chat volume, wait times decreased from almost three minutes to less than a minute. Creating this three-digit number for people in emotional distress was one of the most important decisions ever made to address mental health needs in our country.”
According to the lifeline, since the inception of a crisis line more than 20 million people in distress looking for support called when they needed it the most. But in recent months the lifeline has seen a significant increase in text messages, with a rise of over 1,000%. This shift indicates that many young people prefer texting over making phone calls when seeking support. Recognizing this trend, the new 988 lifeline has adapted its services to accommodate different communication preferences, ensuring that individuals can access help in a way that is most comfortable for them.
While the lifeline has achieved a 91% answer rate (the SAMHSA requirement is a 90% answer rate.), there are areas across the country where improvements are necessary. Efforts are underway to address these gaps and ensure that every call is answered promptly.
An additional challenge is that according to a recent study by The Pew Charitable Trusts, only about 13% of adults in the U.S. have heard of the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline and know its purpose. But this is expected to increase in coming months as awareness campaigns grow in communities across the U.S, as well as thanks to increased offerings such as a Spanish text and chat service and services geared toward LGBTQ+ people.
The Importance of Funding
Mr. Gebbia adds, “It’s reasonable to expect that call, text and chat volume to 988 could double in the second year. To address this, we’re continuing to advocate for additional federal, state and local funding to ensure 988 operations and local crisis centers have the necessary resources to meet this anticipated increase.” He adds, “Greater funding could also expand the use of mental health mobile crisis teams for those rare instances when an in-person response is needed to help a person in crisis.”
At the state level this is especially evident, as only eight states (CA, CO, DE, MN, NV, OR, and WA) have passed telecom fees that ensure there are crisis services: 24/7 local crisis call centers, mobile crisis teams and crisis stabilization options, so 988 callers receive the help they need. Oregon and Delaware are pending Governors’ signatures. But all other states currently lack the state funding for responders to match those of 911.
Of note, AFSP is supporting $836 million for 988 and Crisis Services, which matches the amount requested in the President’s Budget. This funding will go toward supporting national hotline operations, strengthening local call centers, and building out the nation’s crisis response system to effectively respond to the thousands of people in the U.S. who experience a suicide, mental health or substance use crisis each year.
Unfortunately, the House and Senate have not introduced or considered an appropriations bill for 988 funding yet. Despite connecting more than 380,000 requests for help a day to professionals, many questions remain about how to meet the true need of Americans.
What is known is the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline has made a significant impact in its first year of operation. With millions of calls, texts and chats received, it is clear that individuals are reaching out for help when they need it. The lifeline has reduced wait times and adapted to communication preferences. However, more efforts are needed to raise public awareness and secure funding for its continued success. By working together, we can make a difference in the lives of those in crisis and provide the support they deserve.
If you or someone you know is need of help Call: 988, Text: 988, or Chat at: 988lifeline.org/chat
The pre-existing Lifeline number, 800-273-8255 (TALK), will continue to function indefinitely.
If a life-threatening crisis is underway (such as a suicide attempt in progress), call 911.
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