Oct 17, 2022

KFF

On July 16, 2022, the federally mandated crisis number, 988, became available to all landline and cell phone users, providing a single three-digit number to access a network of over 200 local and state funded crisis centers. 988 users who are suicidal or experiencing a behavioral health emergency are routed to the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline (formerly the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline) and connected to a crisis counselor where they may receive crisis counseling, resources and referrals, and in some cases and where available, mobile crisis units may be dispatched. Despite some early reports of public hesitancy toward 988, a recent KFF/CNN poll finds that among those that knew about 988, 85% say they would be at least somewhat likely to call the hotline if they or a loved one were experiencing a mental health crisis; however, less than half of people know about 988. Nearly half a million lives (480,622) were lost to suicide between 2010 to 2020 and an additional 47,646 lives were lost in 2021, reflecting a recent rise in suicide rates.

Taking a Look at 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline Data, One Month After Launch