WASHINGTON, D.C. — The federal government is investing $255 million to continue operating the nationwide 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline as mental health and substance use crises continue affecting millions of Americans each year.
What This Means for You
- The 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline will continue operating nationwide with new federal funding.
- People experiencing mental health, suicide, or substance use crises can call or text 988 at any time for immediate support.
- Federal officials also announced additional funding for youth mental health, suicide prevention, substance use treatment, and disaster counseling programs.
The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration announced the award to Vibrant Emotional Health, the nonprofit organization responsible for managing the national 988 network.
The 988 Lifeline connects callers, texters, and online users with more than 200 local crisis contact centers across the country staffed by trained crisis counselors. Federal officials reported the system has handled more than 25 million contacts through phone calls, text messages, online chat, and American Sign Language videophone services since launching in 2022.
“HHS is committed to making sure every American facing a mental health or substance use crisis can reach the 988 Lifeline and get immediate help,” Robert F. Kennedy Jr. said in a statement.
How the 988 System Works
The 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline was created after Congress passed the National Suicide Hotline Designation Act, signed into law in 2020 by Donald Trump.
The law established 988 as a universal three-digit emergency mental health hotline similar to 911 for medical or public safety emergencies.
After a two-year national rollout and infrastructure buildout, the service officially launched in July 2022.
People can contact the system by calling or texting 988 or by using online chat services at 988 Lifeline. Individuals using videophones can also directly connect to American Sign Language crisis services through video relay providers.
According to SAMHSA, studies show most people who speak with trained crisis counselors report feeling less suicidal, less overwhelmed, and less depressed after the interaction.
SAMHSA Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary Christopher D. Carroll described the hotline administrator as central to maintaining reliable nationwide service.
“Every time someone reaches out to 988, whether it’s a mental health crisis or seeking help for a substance use disorder, a direct connection to immediate support and resources is there,” Carroll said.
Additional Mental Health Funding
Federal officials also announced more than $28 million in additional grant opportunities tied to mental health and substance use programs.
Those funding opportunities include:
- $43 million for community mental health services for children, youth, and young adults experiencing serious emotional disturbances
- $15.1 million for youth suicide prevention and early intervention programs serving states and tribal communities
- $8 million for programs targeting young people at high clinical risk for psychosis
- $3 million for provider education programs focused on substance use disorder treatment
- $2 million for the national Disaster Distress Helpline
Psychosis is a mental health condition involving disruptions in thoughts and perceptions that can include hallucinations or delusions.
The Disaster Distress Helpline provides year-round crisis counseling for people experiencing emotional distress tied to natural disasters or human-caused emergencies. The service is available at 1-800-985-5990 and through SAMHSA Disaster Distress Helpline.
Rising Mental Health Needs
SAMHSA linked the funding announcements to growing mental health and substance use challenges nationwide.
According to the agency’s National Survey on Drug Use and Health, an estimated 14.3 million adults reported serious suicidal thoughts in the past year, while 4.6 million made suicide plans and 2.2 million attempted suicide.
The survey also found 21.2 million adults experienced a major depressive episode during the past year, while 48.4 million people age 12 and older experienced a substance use disorder.
People seeking treatment options can search for providers through FindTreatment.gov.
Support the local news that supports Chester County. MyChesCo delivers reliable, fact-based reporting and essential community resources—free for everyone. If you value that, click here to become a patron today.