988 – New Suicide Prevention Hotline Brings Hope

In July 2022, the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline (formerly National Suicide Prevention Hotline) was introduced.  Since then, 45% more mental health crisis calls were recorded compared to the same time last year. The response time is down to 45 seconds compared to the 2.5-minute wait in the past. 

This is a game changer because suicide is a leading cause of death for people aged 10-34 years in the US.

What changed?

The shorter Suicide Prevention Hotline number makes it easier for people to get the help they need, before it’s too late.  Since the rollout over the summer, the volume of calls increased by 45%, based on data from from the US Department of Health and Human Services, which also estimates that 150,000 lives may have been saved in just one month.

Although the previous 10-digit Hotline number is still active, the shorter number is easier to remember and dial.  This will help someone who is suicidal or in a mental health crisis to reach out quickly.  Most callers are now also connected to a community-based counselor, which gives them a better chance of getting help close by.  The line also connects directly to the Veterans Crisis Lifeline.

More help is on the way

More calls mean more counselors will be needed.  The goal is to hire more mental health counselors, as well as recruit and train newcomers to the profession.  The 988-transition started in 2020 when President Trump signed a bipartisan bill to create a three-digit number for mental health emergencies.  The Biden administration announced that it will allocate another $150 million to 988 under the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act, in addition to the $432 million already promised.   

For more information, check out the 988 Fact Sheet.

Editor’s Note: If you or someone you know is struggling with suicidal thoughts or mental health matters, please call the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988 or 800-273-8255 to connect with a trained counselor or visit 988lifeline.org.