988 marks first anniversary

July 16 marks one year since the country transitioned to 988 as the easy-to-remember number to connect with the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline (formerly known as the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline).

Congress designated 988 in 2020 and the Lifeline transitioned to the 3-digit number July 16, 2022. The transition to 988 is an important step forward and offers an unprecedented opportunity to strengthen and transform crisis care in our country.

Data for the months following the transition to 988 continue to show an increase in overall calls, texts and chats from the year prior – all while answer rates are significantly improving. More people are getting connected to care (and connected sooner) than ever before.

Over 4.5 million calls were made to 988 from the start to the end of July, wait times have been reduced because there are more options including text and web chat.

Here in Wyoming, our call centers are helping Wyoming residents. According to Wyoming LifeLine, call volume is expected to increase nearly 25% by the end of the year.

988 is confidential, free and available 24/7/365, connecting those experiencing a mental health, substance use, or suicidal crisis with trained crisis counselors.

Here in Crook County, the Be Well Coalition is working on suicide prevention through education, outreach and support. For more information on local activities, visit http://www.crookcountyprevention.com.