988 Crisis Response System

In July 2022, the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline became operational nationwide, formerly known as the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (the previous 1-800-273-TALK (8255) number will continue to function indefinitely). Anyone, anytime, anywhere in the U.S. can call, chat, or text 988 to receive resources and support for suicide, mental health, or substance use problems they are experiencing, or if worried about someone else.

The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention led the charge for a 3-digit suicide prevention, mental health, and substance use crisis hotline in collaboration with congressional partners, other nonprofit coalition members, and mental health agencies. From advocating for the Lifeline itself to encouraging budget allocations for the Lifeline’s implementation and maintenance, AFSP has been at the forefront of this movement. AFSP supports increases in federal and state funding for the full 988 crisis response system, including the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline and its national network of state and local crisis contact centers, mobile crisis response teams, crisis respite and stabilization facilities, and follow-up care. Download our issue brief and one-pagers to learn more.

988 has received over 26 million contacts since its launch, offering a vital lifeline for more than tens of thousands of contacts every day. Connecting individuals with suicide, mental health, and substance use crisis services and resources is a vital component in suicide prevention. By offering immediate help to everyone who may need it, the 988 crisis response system provides invaluable support at critical times.

Increase access to the full 988 crisis response system to meet increasing demand

Contact volume has increased for 988 since its three-digit launch in 2022, and continued improvements are needed to ensure the best possible access to care for all. 988 has transformed the way we as a country respond to suicide, mental health, and substance use crises. However, insufficient funding and limited capacity to respond to an increasing contact volume has hindered the full potential of 988’s positive impact.

AFSP continues to prioritize advocating for increased funding and insurance coverage to improve access and expand the full system’s capacity, infrastructure, and workforce. Expanding affordable access to the full 988 crisis response system ensures that every person who reaches out can connect with appropriate, timely, and high-quality crisis care.

Provide sustainable funding for the full 988 crisis response system

AFSP urges decisionmakers to allocate recurring federal and state appropriations to the 988 crisis response system, allow for the collection of state 988 telecom fees, and fund grants to increase capacity, improve response time, and provide consistent follow-up care.

State Funding: While the Lifeline is a national program, only a small portion is distributed to states, territories, and tribes to directly support local 988 services. As a result, local services are reliant on funding from state and local contributors to operate and meet growing service demand. Less than half of states have a suicide prevention-specific line item in their state budgets. AFSP urges state legislators to exercise their authority to implement a 988 telecom fee on all call lines, similar to existing 911 fees, to support and sustain the full 988 crisis response system.

Federal Funding: AFSP urges Congress and federal agencies to make smart, strong, and sustained investment in suicide prevention programs, research, and surveillance. With effective federal support, suicide prevention efforts can achieve meaningful reductions in mortality, just as sustained investment has advanced progress against other major public health concerns. AFSP has been instrumental in securing significant funding increases for 988 since it launched in July 2022.

Expand implementation through improved georouting to localized services, 988/911 interoperability, and public awareness initiatives

Georouting: AFSP advocates for effective and efficient access to localized services. This includes ensuring that contacts go to local centers, when available, by routing calls through cell tower-based approximate location (georouting), differentiated from 911’s use of precise “pinpoint” (geolocation). Ideally, contacts are connected with a local counselor in their own state, territory, or district. However, if the local center is unable to answer, the Lifeline reroutes calls to backup centers in their network, both in- and out-of-state.

988/911 Interoperability: The ultimate goal of 988 is to ensure mental health crises are met with a mental health response, providing an effective and appropriate alternative to 911 and law enforcement intervention. Almost all (98%) calls are deescalated such that no in-person response is necessary. In rare cases when 988 calls need to be transferred to 911, they are closely coordinated to seamlessly allow referral of callers for appropriate care or response (988/911 interoperability). The 988 system prevents costly and potentially traumatic hospitalization or detainment.

Public Awareness: AFSP advocates for public awareness initiatives, such as displaying 988 information in the workplace, in schools and on student ID cards, and through public signage, to increase utilization. A well-resourced and promoted 988 crisis response system will ensure more equitable access and fill service gaps, particularly for rural and under-served communities.

Specialized lines for populations disproportionately impacted by suicide

988 includes access to specialized services to provide culturally appropriate care to disproportionately impacted populations. “Press 1” routes 988 calls to the Veterans Crisis Lines (VCL). “Press 2” routes to Spanish language services. These specialized services make sure that people can get the tailored care they need and deserve.

Until it was canceled in June 2025, “Press 3” routed to operators trained in addressing the issues of LGBTQ+ youth. Immediately upon cancelation, AFSP urged Congress to reconsider and restore this vital service. Through our advocacy in coalition with other organizations, in the FY26 federal budget, Congress made it clear that the "Press 3" LGBTQ+ youth line is a critical resource by providing funding so that the line can restart.

988 has effectively reduced suicide

Suicide has long been the second leading cause of death for youth and youth adults. Promisingly, since 988 launched in 2022, there has been a measurable reduction in suicide among young people. Suicide rates were 11% lower than expected estimates, meaning nearly 4,400 fewer deaths.

1 in 4 calls to 988 are related to a suicidal crisis. Research found that the vast majority of suicidal Lifeline callers thought their crisis call helped them (nearly 98%) and stopped them from killing themselves (88%). Furthermore, callers reported that follow-up calls helped keep them safe (91%) and not harm themselves (80%).

Full implementation and promotion of 988 will reduce healthcare spending with early intervention, reduce the burden on emergency rooms and law enforcement, and improve outcomes for individuals experiencing a substance use, mental health, or suicidal crisis.

To learn more about the policies that AFSP advocates for in order to sustain and support funding for the 988 crisis response system, please read our issue brief and our 988 one-pagers on access, funding, and implementation.

The National Association of State Mental Health Program Directors (NASMHPD) regularly updates their 988 Sustainability Fee Model Bill Template (2025), with input from AFSP and several other key partners.

AFSP is proud to be part of the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI)-led initiative #ReimagineCrisis – the site includes crisis response stories from across the country and a map of state 988 implementation legislation with a list of states with enacted 988 telecom fees.

The U.S. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) updates resources in their 988 Partner Toolkit, and provides the National Behavioral Health Crisis Care Guidance (2025) as a framework for an integrated crisis care system.

National Association of Counties (NACO) provides a funding chart for County Funding Opportunities to Support Community Members Experiencing a Behavioral Health Crisis (2023).

For further questions and resources related to 988 or any of our policy priorities, please contact our Policy & Advocacy team at advocacy@afsp.org.

To receive immediate crisis support for yourself or someone else, contact the following:

988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline – Phone, text, and chat support available 24/7

• Call 988 (English & Spanish, plus translation services in 240+ more languages)
• Text 988 (English; and text “AYUDA” para Español)
• Chat at Lifeline Chat English and Spanish
• Deaf and Hard of Hearing
  • For TTY Users: Use your preferred relay service or dial 711 then 988;
  • Reach out to 988 ASL Videophone by calling 988 with a VP number.
• 988 specialized services
  • For Veterans/military (Veterans Crisis Line) – 988 (press 1); text 838255; or chat at VCL Chat
  • En Español – 988 (oprima 2)
  • For LGBTQ+ youth – 988 (press 3) [In the process of restarting as of Aug. 2026]

Crisis Text Line – Text support available 24/7

• Text TALK to 741-741

Trevor Lifeline – Phone, chat, and text support for LGBTQ+ youth, available 24/7

• Call 1-866-488-7386
• Text START to 678-678
• Chat at chat.trvr.org

Trans Lifeline – Phone support for transgender people, by transgender people

• Call 1-877-565-8860 (available Monday-Friday, 1-9 PM Eastern Time)