In addition to an easy to remember number, 988 created new ways to interact with the 988 Lifeline, adding the option for people to text 988 or use an online chat feature.
Since launching in July 2022, Minnesota has had over 5,000 calls, texts, and chats each month to the 988 Lifeline.
People call the 988 Lifeline for all sorts of reasons. The most common type of calls received are from people experiencing extreme emotional distress, such as anxiety, depression, anger, or fear. Callers may also be experiencing thoughts of suicide. A little less than one quarter of calls in 2022 involved a heightened situation, where a caller requires immediate crisis intervention. In both types of calls, trained crisis specialists work to keep the caller safe and help them navigate their situation. Crisis specialists work with the caller to de-escalate complex situations, support the caller in determining appropriate resources, creating a safety plan, and determining next steps. In some cases, crisis specialists may coordinate a warm handoff to a local county crisis mobile team, which can respond in-person, or emergency response if needed.
Since implementing 988, some 988 Lifeline centers have noticed more calls regarding substance use, and the request of substance use resources. Prior to 988, the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline was more narrowly focused on suicide prevention and resources.
Minnesota currently partners with five Lifeline Centers designated to answer 988 contacts:
Mental Health Minnesota was added in April 2023 to focus exclusively on answering chats and texts to 988.
The Minnesota Legislature recently approved a telecom fee of no more than $0.25 to ensure the 988 Lifeline has ongoing funding, and that 988 Lifeline Centers will be able to support Minnesotans long-term. This new telecom fee will start at $0.12 and go into effect on January 1, 2024.
The Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) supports and funds the 988 Lifeline in Minnesota. MDH is leading the effort to build and expand the 988 Lifeline and actively collaborates with 988 Lifeline Centers, statewide community partners, and national partners.
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