988 One Year Later

It’s been a year since the national 988 crisis line was launched (see 988 – The Three Cs To Make The Three Digits Work and The Ramp Up To 988). Americans with telephone access, whether cellular or landline, can dial or text the three-digit code and receive suicide prevention and mental crisis support. The service, which is free, anonymous, and available 24/7, was introduced as an update to the 1-800-273-8255 number.

In the 11-month period ending May 31, 2023, over 4.5 million calls were made to the 988 lifeline, delivered to and dispersed . . .