As July comes to an end, I would like to take a few moments to discuss the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. This hotline was funded in July 2022 making it three years since its inception. The development of the 988 Lifeline was a milestone in mental health care nationwide, giving people an easy three digit number to call if they are having a rough day or night and just need someone to talk with.
This third anniversary of the 988 Lifeline gives a great opportunity to reflect on its origins and its profound impact. Before 988, those in crisis often dialed 1-800-273-TALK (8255), a toll-free number established in 2005 and managed by the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline. While effective, it was neither as memorable nor as accessible as a three-digit code. Recognizing the urgency of mental health support and the need for swift, easy-to-recall access, mental health advocates, government agencies, and policymakers collaborated to create 988, modeled after the simplicity of 911 for emergencies. The Federal Communications Commission officially designated 988 as the new Lifeline number in 2020, and the transition was made nationwide on July 16, 2022. This change was not merely logistical; it represented a shift in how society addresses mental health crises, placing mental health on equal footing with physical health emergencies.
The impact that 988 has on United States citizens, including many of those here at home, has been great. First, it has increased accessibility to timely help. From July 1, 2024 to June 30, 2025, there were 1668 calls answered by the center covering the Cumberland Valley Area Developmental District, with 345 of those calls coming from Whitley Countians. Calls are routed based on where the caller is physically. Calls from this region are answered by Cumberland River Behavioral Health. Second, the original Lifeline focused primarily on suicide prevention, however, the 988 Lifeline has expanded its mission to include a range of mental health crises such as substance use, trauma, anxiety, and emotional distress. People can call as many times as they need and are never charged anything for calling. Third, it has allowed for a reduction of the burden on emergency services such as 911. By diverting non-violent mental health calls from 911, the 988 Lifeline has helped ensure that emergency services can focus on physical emergencies, while those in mental distress receive more appropriate care and referrals.
Over the past three years, countless stories have emerged of individuals whose lives were transformed, and in many cases, saved, by reaching out to 988 Lifeline. Many times, callers have reported that they feel much better after just having a caring ear to listen to them. 988 call takers check on the callers the next day after a call with their consent to make sure that they are still doing ok and to see if they can be of further assistance.
The power of 988 lies not just in the numbers served, but in the lives changed – one call at a time. Remember that if you are in crisis, reach out for help any time of the day or night by calling 988.
