A study has found that the public’s awareness of the 988 mental health emergency lifeline is low, with fewer than half of the respondents having ever heard of it. The 988 hotline is designed to provide immediate help in mental health emergencies, and it replaced the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline in the summer of 2022. Unlike its predecessor, 988 is not only for suicide prevention but is also for various types of emotional distress.
The study revealed that since the launch of 988, there has been an increase in call volume across the board, indicating that more people are using the new hotline for help with mental health emergencies. Among respondents who had experienced serious mental distress, about one-third were “very likely” to use the 988 number in the future.
The findings highlight the need for greater public awareness of the 988 lifeline to ensure that people in need can access support effectively and promptly. Increasing awareness of this resource is essential in the fight against suicide and the prevention of mental health crises.
