July 20, 2023
More than 80 percent of Americans are not familiar with the new 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline a year after its launch, but calls to the new federal hotline continue to increase.
The June 2023 poll from the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) and other recently released data highlight the opportunity to raise awareness for the new lifeline that connects Americans with trained counselors during times of crisis.
The 988 lifeline had about a 33 percent increase in calls, texts, and chats during May when compared to call volume for the prior year, according to the Kaiser Family Foundation (KFF).
“The 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline is a life-saving resource,” Health and Human Services Deputy Secretary Andrea Palm said in a statement. “We are facing a behavioral health crisis in this country. With our continued investment in 988, and the addition of Spanish language text and chat services, we are furthering our commitment to addressing this crisis head on.”
Here’s what you need to know:
Additional information about the NAMI poll is available online.
HAP and Pennsylvania’s hospitals are dedicated to supporting mental and behavioral health in our communities. Learn more about our advocacy to ensure all Pennsylvanians can access care when and where they need it.
Note: The 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline provides free and confidential emotional support to people in suicidal crisis or emotional distress 24 hours a day, seven days a week. If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health, help is available online or by texting or calling 988.
Tags: Behavioral Health
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