988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline launches nationally 18-fold federal investment replaces 800 number

The 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline officially launches as the new three-digit dialing code for mental health crisis support, replacing the 17-year-old 1-800-273-8255 number. The Biden administration invests $432 million, an 18-fold increase from the prior $24 million annual budget, to staff and expand the nationwide network of over 200 local crisis centers. In its first year the lifeline answers nearly 5 million calls, texts, and chats, compared to 3 million in the year before. Answer rates climb from 70% to 93% for calls, and response time drops from 2 minutes 20 seconds to 35 seconds. By 2024 the lifeline has answered over 13 million contacts total. The number is available 24/7 and offers specialized services for veterans, Spanish speakers, and LGBTQ+ youth.