Content warning: Suicide and suicidal ideation. If you or someone you know is in crisis or struggling, help is available. Call or text 988, or text MHA to 741741.
It’s been two years since the launch of the Suicide and crisis helpline 988which provides free, confidential access to trained crisis counselors 24/7 for those in distress.
To spread the word about 988’s resources, advocates are coming together this year for the first Day 988 On Sunday, September 8, the theme will be: “No judgment. Just help.” The goal, according to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), the agency that funds the 988 Lifeline, is to Highlight the importance of mental health and suicide prevention..
Data shows that raising awareness about 988 is more than a laudable goal – it’s a necessary goal. Only 18% of adults said they were familiar with 988 resources, according to a study KFF Survey 2023Awareness is even lower among Black, Hispanic and Asian adults as well as those who do not speak English very well.
However, the need for support in times of crisis is more urgent than ever. In 2022, the United States recorded one death by suicide every 11 minutes, according to data from the Centers for Disease Control and PreventionSuicide was the leading cause of death for people aged 10 to 14 and 25 to 34. More than 13 million people are estimated to have had serious suicidal thoughts.
Since its launch in July 2022, 988 crisis counselors have responded Over 10 million calls, texts and chats.Texting continues to gain popularity: 1.7 million of those contacts were initiated via text message, a modality that saw a 51% increase between 2023 and 2024.
While wait times and response rates are 988 improved over timeOf course, there are still challenges to be addressed. This is partly explained by the fact that Lifeline is actually a national network of more than 200 local crisis centers with varying levels of funding and other resources. (While SAMHSA funds 988 nationally and has supported implementation costs, states themselves are responsible for the long-term funding of the crisis centers that power Lifeline.)
At MHA, we believe that a mental health crisis should be met by a healthcare response, not a law enforcement response. That’s why, early on, we advocated for passing legislation establishing the 988 program, and now we’re fighting for resources at the federal and state levels to increase the capacity of the 988 program and develop a continuum of crisis services when people need the most support. But our policy work is only impactful if people are aware of the services that are available. For example, the 988 helpline includes subnetworks for Spanish speakers, veterans, and the LGBTQ+ community.
In recognition of Day 988, SAMHSA has created a Free Digital Toolkit with everything from fact sheets and social media resources to ideas for events in community settings. The agency encourages advocates to use the hashtag #988Day to share activities and promotional efforts. Wall of social events Then we will add them all in one place.
As Assistant Secretary for Health and Human Services Andrea Palm recently put it:“We have worked to promote a strategy that does not prevent users from reaching out for mental health help, but it is clear that there are still many people who feel they have been left without options. My message to those who are struggling is that you are not alone, we hear you and we are here to help. 988 is an important resource and anyone who needs help should reach out to us.”
If you or someone you know is going through a difficult time or in crisis, help is available. Call or text 988, or text MHA to 741741. You can find additional resources on the MHA website, including warning signs to look out for and how to help a loved one who may be experiencing suicidal thoughts.
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