"5 Million People Find Support Through 988 Mental Health Lifeline in First Year"

The 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, which replaced the 10-digit National Suicide Prevention Lifeline last year, received approximately 5 million calls, texts, and chats in its first year of operation, marking a 35% increase compared to the old line. While there have been improvements in response times and increased texting capabilities, mental health leaders emphasize the need for more awareness and resources to meet the line's full potential. The Biden administration has invested nearly $1 billion in launching 988, and efforts are underway to raise awareness and address staffing shortages. Privacy concerns, fears of unwanted police interactions, and the need for comprehensive post-call services are among the challenges that still need to be addressed.