The 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline aims to support those facing mental health struggles, emotional distress, alcohol or drug use concerns or those who need someone to talk to.
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(Washington, DC) – Officials say they’re concerned that not enough Americans are aware of the 988 hotline — which aims to prevent suicides. Apparently, awareness is up, but still low.
A recent poll from the Annenberg Public Policy Center/SSRS finds that just 15% of respondents could correctly name the number from memory. That’s up 4% from August of last year.
The director of the Annenberg Public Policy Center at the University of Pennsylvania released a statement noting the importance of people knowing the 988 number by heart. “When 988 is as readily recalled as 911, the nation will have cause to celebrate,” Kathleen Hall Jamieson said. Previously known as the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline can also be reached by dialing 1-800-273-8255. In Canada, it is known as the 9-8-8 Suicide Crisis Helpline. It was in July of 2022 when the 988 hotline was launched.
