Since its launch in July 2022, the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline has answered over 10 million texts, calls and chats. The number of calls to 988 from Missouri jumped 136% in May 2024 compared to May 2022, according to recent data from the health policy nonprofit KFF.
Did You Know?
The lifeline was originally a 10-digit number, but was shortened to three digits to make it easier to remember and dial.
Other Accomplishments Since Launch
988 has expanded access to services for Spanish speakers, LGBTQI+ youth and young adults, and people who are deaf or hard of hearing. Because of this, the lifeline is able to serve a wider population than before. It’s clear that expansion was needed – this year, text messages to 988 have increased 51% and calls 34% from the year before, a sign of the effects of expanded services.
Story credit: CNN
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