A new era in addressing the problem of suicide in the U.S. dawned on July 16, 2022. That’s when the new three-digit code for the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline – 988 – went into effect nationwide. In its first two years, 988 answered more than 10 million texts, calls, and chats following the over $1.5 billion Biden-Harris Administration total investment. Of the 10 million contacts answered, nearly 1.7 million were texts — an increasingly popular modality for contacting 988. Overall, since 2023 TEXTS have increased by 51% and CALLS have increased by 34%! (From the 988 2 Year Anniversary Fact Sheet)
Created by Congress in the National Suicide Hotline Designation Act of 2020, the new suicide and crisis intervention number connected callers with a network of 200 crisis centers around the country. The new number is easy to remember in a crisis situation and provides a mechanism to direct mental health-related calls to appropriate professionals who can really help.
While the Lifeline always has and will continue to offer 24/7 availability, the three-digit code offers phone, text, and chat options. Simply having access to readily available prevention resources can increase positive outcomes for all those touched by a mental health crisis.
You are now able to dial or text 988 or chat chat.988lifeline.org to reach the National Suicide Hotline. No more remembering long phone numbers.
Access to mental health services is enhanced by the simpler number, and the most lasting positive impact may be connecting the individual in crisis with counselors and therapeutic professionals in real life sooner than before. Receiving validation and support through genuine connections can prevent a majority of suicides by providing opportunities for intervention and healing, safety planning, and empowerment in the future. For those who feel overwhelmed or helpless, having the ability to reach out immediately through a number that’s easy to remember can provide a lifeline of light and hope to those who feel they are surrounded by desperation and darkness.
The 988 Lifeline now offers expansion availability to Spanish-speaking individuals, the LGBTQI+ community and also the deaf and hard of hearing. The 988 2 Year Anniversary Fact Sheet provides the following information:
Since last year’s (2023) expansion of services for Spanish speakers, LGBTQI+ youth and young adults, and people who are Deaf or Hard of Hearing, 988 counselors have answered:
– About 20,000 Spanish-language chats and texts, in addition to the nearly 90,000 Spanish-language calls, a service that has been available since 2006,
– More than 475,000 LGBTQI+ youth and young adult texts, calls, and chats, and
– About 20,000 videophone contacts in American Sign Language (ASL)
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Safety is paramount. We want you to be here, to grow up and to experience life. If we can help in some small way along that journey we are happy to do that! Stay well everyone.
