What the 988 crisis line offers and how it’s used : Short Wave : NPR

Part of the 988HelpLine.org website was photographed on February 3, 2023.

Jon Elswick / AP

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Jon Elswick / AP

Part of the 988HelpLine.org website was photographed on February 3, 2023.

Jon Elswick / AP

National Suicide and Crisis Lifeline – 988 – was launched that day three years ago.

Millions of people have contacted 988 since the launch of the line, via calls, SMS and the cat box 988. And a new study led by researchers from Nyu and Johns Hopkins university estimates that 1.6% of the American population used the line between July 2022 and December 2024. The people who call the line that requires support is connected to a local network of crisis centers and qualified.

Short wave The host Emily Kwong speaks to Jonathan Purtle, one of the main researchers of the study on what 988 offers in addition to 911. In addition, why parts of the country still do not know.

For more resources and support, see the Administration of drug addiction and mental health services (Samhsa). LGBTQ + young people can also obtain support from Trevor projectA non -profit organization for prevention of suicide and crisis intervention for young LGBTQ +. The TREVOR project offers online information, peer support and 24/7 crisis services.

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This episode was produced by Rachel Carlson. It was published by Rebecca Ramirez. Tyler Jones checked the facts. Robert Rodriguez was the audio engineer.