988 hotline says suicide deaths are down among young people

Key Points:

• Suicide deaths among U.S. teens and young adults aged 15 to 23 were 11% lower than expected in the first 2.5 years after the launch of the 988 mental health crisis hotline, equating to nearly 4,400 fewer deaths, according to a study published in JAMA.
• Researchers used nationwide death records from 1999 to 2022 to model expected suicide rates without 988 and found that states with higher call volumes to 988 saw larger decreases in suicide deaths, especially among younger people.
• Experts highlight that while 988 is not a complete solution to suicide prevention, it has had a significant impact by providing immediate crisis support, safety planning, and connections to longer-term care, emphasizing the need for sustained federal and state funding.
• The federal budget request for fiscal year 2027 includes stable funding of $534.6 million for 988, but advocates stress that current resources remain insufficient to meet demand, with over 11 million contacts anticipated next year.
• Lawmakers are urging the restoration of the specialized 988 line for LGBTQ+ youth, which was cut last summer despite the population’s higher suicide risk; officials have indicated efforts are underway but have not provided a timeline.