MDHHS observes one year anniversary of the 988 crisis line

More than 50,000 calls answered by specially trained crisis staff

A July 17 press release from the Department of Health and Human Services announced that that agency is observing the sucees over the past year since the launch of the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline in Michigan.

On July 16, 2022, the Lifeline transitioned away from the National Suicide Prevention Line reached through a 10-digit number to the three-digit 988 Lifeline, according to 988lifeline.org.

The 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline is a 24/7 toll-free nationwide hotline made up of a network of local call centers across the country that confidentially provides compassionate care for behavioral health issues or any other kind of emotional distress, the MDHHS release says.

The Lifeline accepts calls from anyone who needs support for a suicide, mental health and/or substance use crisis.

"Michigan's 988 Lifeline receives as many as 7,000 calls per month, and the compassionate staff who answers these urgent calls are well-trained to help and connect those experiencing crisis with support and resources," said Elizabeth Hertel, MDHHS director. "Nearly 1.5 million adults in Michigan currently have a mental health condition and strengthening crisis care and mental health services continues to be a top priority for MDHHS. We encourage anyone experiencing a crisis or their family members to use this resource whenever they may need it."

Since its launch in July 2022, nearly 63,000 calls have been answered with approximately 18,000 minutes spent on the phone with Michigan residents. Nearly 95% of calls are answered within 30 seconds. More than 46% of callers had high or overwhelming stress at the beginning of a call, which was reduced to 16% by the end of the call after speaking with a 988 specialist. The 988 Lifeline connects residents to behavioral health services, resources and referrals to follow-up care.

Anyone with concerns like these can call for support:

• Mental health-related distress.

• Thoughts of suicide.

• Substance abuse crisis.

• Emotional distress.

• Help finding a behavioral health resource.

The 911lifefline.org website states that numerous studies have shown that callers feel less suicidal, less depressed, less overwhelmed and more hopeful after speaking with a 988 Lifeline counselor.

"People who are worried about a loved one who may need support are also welcome to call 988," state MDHHS. "Additionally, there are specialized services available for veterans, LGBTQ+ individuals and other groups by selecting the corresponding option on the call menu."

MDHHS states that in Michigan, Crisis center calling services are available in English and Spanish, and a Language Line Solutions to provide translation services in more than 250 additional languages is also available. However, text and chat are currently available in English only.

For more information, visit 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline and Michigan Crisis & Access Line.