On July 16, 2022, the federally mandated crisis number, 988, became available to all landline and cell phone users, providing a single three-digit number to access a network of over 200 local and state funded crisis centers. 988 users who are suicidal or experiencing a behavioral health emergency are routed to the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline (formerly the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline) and connected to a crisis counselor where they may receive crisis counseling, resources and referrals, and in some cases and where available, mobile crisis units may be dispatched. • National answer rates increased alongside surges in outreach volume. In-state answer rates vary widely across states—from 51 to 98%—which may reflect state investments in crisis services, as well as length of investment. To date, five states have chosen to enact legislation for the 988 telecommunication fees that are intended to sustainably fund local crisis centers.
