It’s now been one year since the launch of the 988 Suicide and Crisis Hotline. The three-digit number was created to make it easier for callers to remember. The former 10-digit National Suicide Prevention Lifeline was long and often to hard find for those in need.
And while there’s still some sorting out to do, the 988 number has already been a huge help across the state, according to those in the field.
According to the CDC, last year saw the most suicides on record in the U.S. – an estimated 49,449 people – a slight increase from 2021. From 2011 to 2022, it’s estimated that more than a half a million people lost their lives due to suicide.
What You Need To Know
- From 2011 to 2022, it’s estimated that more than a half million people lost their lives due to suicide
- The former Suicide Prevention Hotline underwent an overhaul last year, with the goals of making it easier for callers to remember and decreasing the stigma of asking for help
- According to the Department of Health and Human Services, the 988 line saw 5 million callers last year, up 2 million from the year before
“There are so many people with mental health concerns. The latest statistics are one in five people,” said Lauren Giannetti, CPEP and mobile crisis manager for St. Joseph’s Health.
Giannetti says moving away from the suicide hotline name has already lead to an increase in calls.
“You can just text with the crisis counselor. You’re not necessarily saying, ‘Oh, I’m suicidal. I am in immediate danger.’ You can call for that, but people are more open to that. There’s different levels,” said Giannetti.
According to the Department of Health and Human Services, the 988 line saw 5 million callers last year, up 2 million from the year before.
Giannetti said that locally, it’s taken a big burden away from police agencies.
“Being able to divert even just some of those calls, and I know we’ve diverted more than some, is very helpful in decreasing the police response,” said Giannetti.
The 988 number can help with anything from advice about a child’s mental health struggles to support for someone who may be suicidal.
Like with anything else, the development of 988 isn’t without growing pains. One of those is simply handling the increase in calls.
“Our mobile crisis team was used to doing scheduled visits, so they had scheduled appointments with people. And now, adjusting to going to an immediate call in the community, that’s been a change. But it’s been a really positive change,” said Giannetti.
On the federal level, Rep. Marc Molinaro is calling on the Federal Communications Commission to address concerns with the technology. While most regions have their own call centers, there are still plenty that do not, meaning a call for help may be answered by someone across the country.
“Right now, no matter what your area code is, determines we’re going to be rerouted for a 988 call. You need to be routed locally. We need to use the same technology that we use for 911 to also support 988,” said Molinaro.
Despite the challenges, mental health professionals are encouraged by the support.
“The resources are increasing, and I think that this is just a great way to have easy, quick access to be able to talk to somebody who can help you with behavioral health,” Giannetti.
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