What the National Suicide and Crisis Lifeline Offers and How it's Used

The National Suicide and Crisis Lifeline (988), launched three years ago, has become a critical resource in U.S. public health, with an estimated 1.6% of the population using it from July 2022 to December 2024. The lifeline connects callers, texters, and chat users to local crisis centers staffed by trained counselors, providing timely mental health support beyond traditional 911 services.

Despite its widespread use, awareness gaps remain in some regions, limiting access to this vital tool. Public health communicators play a key role in promoting 988 to improve crisis intervention and suicide prevention nationwide. Listen to the story from NPR here.