First Anniversary Of 988 Suicide Hotline

This month marks the one-year anniversary of 988, the new three-digit suicide prevention line.This number provides a direct connection to trained, compassionate, accessible care and support for anyone experiencing suicidal, substance use, and/or mental health-related crisis, or any other kind of emotional distress. The resource is available 24/7 and is a free service available to anyone experiencing a mental health-related crisis.Tony Green, Interim Director of the Division of Behavioral Health at the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), said “988 is a vital resource in Nebraska and across our nation.”Green added, “It is important to remember that no matter your situation, you are not alone, and that help is available and effective.”Reason for the New NumberThe current Lifeline phone number (1-800-273-8255) will remain in operation, 988 is not intended to replace it. Instead, 988 is intended to make connecting to crisis support with a three-digit number that functions not unlike 911.President Donald J. Trump signed the law establishing the new number in 2020.In NebraskaWhile 988 is national, the call center for the number in Nebraska is at Boys Town (BT) in Omaha, so a caller form Nebraska will be speaking to someone from Nebraska.According to numbers from DHHS, during the calendar year 2021, BT received 8,777 calls to the Suicide Prevention Lifeline. Since July 16, 2022, through June 30, 2023, 988 Nebraska has received 18,300 calls, which is 2.08 times the number of calls to the Suicide Prevention Lifeline.The average answer rate is 95.53 percent, which exceeds the initial goal of 90 percent in the implementation plan.The average chat answer rate is 88.5 percent and the average text answer rate is 88.3 percent, which both exceed the goal of 80 percent in the implementation plan.Mobile Crisis Response TeamOver 96.3 percent of calls received from the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline are being de-escalated and managed by the Boys Town crisis counselors without activating the Mobile Crisis Response Team.When appropriate, callers have the option to choose to engage with the Mobile Crisis Response Team, who are crisis professionals that can go to an individual in crisis for an on-site assessment. However, other options are available.Mobile Crisis is available across the state of Nebraska and can be used in person, via telehealth, or over the phone based on the individual’s comfort level. Even with the variety of methods to receive this crisis care, approximately 50 percent of individuals are choosing an in-person response. Just over three percent of calls have resulted in the need to activate emergency services such as emergency medical services and/or law enforcement.Emergency interventions occur when a caller is deemed unsafe (a danger to self or others), has access to lethal means, and is not willing to safety plan or involve anyone who can help maintain safety.Language OptionsThere is a Spanish-speaking crisis line at 1-88/8-624-9454.Those who are deaf or hard of hearing should use their preferred relay service or dial 711, then 1-800-273-8255.Other ResourcesThere are other resources available for those in crisis. A list provided by DHHS includes:Your faith-based leader, healthcare professional, or student health center on campus. Nebraska Family Helpline, (888) 866-8660. Rural Response Hotline, (800) 464-0258. Disaster Distress Helpline: 1-800-985-5990 (oprime dos para español) or text TalkWithUs to 66746. National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-7233 or text LOVEIS to 22522. National Child Abuse Hotline: 1-800-4AChild (1-800-422-4453) or text 1-800-422-4453. National Sexual Assault Hotline: 1-800-656-HOPE (4673).

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