The Ramp Up To 988

We're on the eve of launching a national "988" number for suicide prevention. In July 2022, the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (Lifeline) “988” dialing number will go live (see National ‘988’ Lifeline For Mental Health Crisis Goes Live In July 2022 and Planning For 988). Lifeline will be funded by two five-year grants from The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), totaling $48 million.

There is certainly a need for something to address the rising suicide rates among Americans. The national suicide rate grew by 30% from 2000 to 2020, according to suicide data from the . . .