The 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline— It's okay to use it if you feel like you need to. You're not strange. You're not a failure. And you're not alone.

Feeling depressed and misunderstood, I reached out to the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, a resource that's offered me solace even in moments when I didn't feel suicidal, but simply hopeless and alone— a situation I found myself in as recently as June of this year. From past experiences where I sought help during dark times, to recent conversations that offered comfort, the Lifeline has been a crucial beacon. For me, the ability to talk to a stranger is easier, but for many, it's often the only option. But no matter why you make the call, it is a miracle in the midst of crisis.

The 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline has significantly expanded its services and support since its launch on July 16, 2022, answering millions of calls, texts and chats from individuals facing mental health or substance use crises. The initiative, a key component of the Biden-Harris Administration's strategy to tackle the nation's mental health challenges, has been bolstered by nearly $1.5 billion in federal funding from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS).

"We're connecting them faster and with more personalized services, which are critical for helping people in crisis. We know that 988 is saving lives and helping millions of people," said HHS Secretary Xavier Becerra "I hope anyone who feels alone, or that they are without options, knows that 988 is there to help."

In the past two years, the Lifeline has responded to over 10 million contacts, including 1.7 million texts, reflecting a 51% increase in text volume from the previous year. Among these interactions, nearly 1.2 million calls have been directed to the Veterans Crisis Line (VCL) through the 988 Press 1 option, specifically designed to support veterans, service members and their families. In total, the VCL has received over 2 million contacts through various channels since the launch of 988.

"Our Veterans Crisis Line connects veterans to caring, qualified responders 24/7 – and two years ago, we made it even easier for veterans in crisis and their loved ones to reach out for help by launching 988 then Press 1," VA Secretary Denis McDonough said in a statement. "One veteran lost to suicide is too many. We're supporting more veterans than ever through the 988 initiative and will not rest in our continued efforts to spread the word that this resource is available and saves lives."

"We're connecting them faster and with more personalized services, which are critical for helping people in crisis. We know that 988 is saving lives and helping millions of people. I hope anyone who feels alone, or that they are without options, knows that 988 is there to help."

Since its inception, 988 has introduced several new features, including Spanish language support, specialized services for LGBTQI+ youth and videophone options for American Sign Language (ASL) users. The Lifeline has handled approximately 20,000 Spanish-language contacts, 475,000 LGBTQI+ youth and young adult interactions and 20,000 ASL videophone contacts.

Looking ahead, georouting technology is set to enhance service accessibility by routing callers based on their location rather than their area code, ensuring more precise and local support. This new feature aims to protect caller privacy while improving the effectiveness of the Lifeline's response.

"This milestone shines a light on the need for vital behavioral health services across the country. From implementing the easy-to-remember 3-digit code, to requiring text-to-988, to reporting outages, the FCC's efforts have advanced 988 as a valuable place to seek help, no matter who you are or where you live," said Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel. "That's why our continued efforts to improve 988 are so important. Next up is a georouting solution that will make it possible for callers in crisis to get help near where they are, instead of just based on the area code of their device. This will protect privacy while also ensuring that those who reach out to 988 can get connected to a local crisis center when and where they need it. This is critical for students away from family and friends, those who have recently relocated, and anyone who has a number that does not correlate with where they are when they need assistance in crisis."

HHS's $1.5 billion investment in the 988 Lifeline includes funding from President Biden's American Rescue Plan and the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act, aligning with the President's Unity Agenda to tackle the mental health crisis. This funding has significantly benefited states, territories and tribes, with nearly $370 million in grants awarded in fiscal years 2022 and 2023 to hire crisis counselors and enhance local responses. An additional $200 million in grants is set to be awarded in fiscal year 2024 to further strengthen local crisis services and expand support for individuals in need.

Federal funding has also strengthened the national backup system, ensuring that everyone, regardless of their location, can access a trained and compassionate counselor. This national network guarantees that all 988 contacts are answered, even if local resources are stretched thin, as long as the caller remains on the line.

With mental health issues and substance use disorders affecting millions across the country, 988 serves as a vital resource. According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, studies indicate that speaking with a trained crisis counselor often leaves callers feeling more hopeful and less depressed, suicidal and overwhelmed.

I can attest to this firsthand.

For those in need, the Lifeline offers immediate support. Call or text 988 or visit https://988lifeline.org for help. To explore additional mental health and substance use resources, visit www.samhsa.gov/find-support or https://findtreatment.gov/, or call 800-662-HELP (4357).

"Two years ago, we successfully transitioned to the 988 Lifeline with a message of hope: that no matter where you live in this country, whenever you're experiencing a mental health or substance use crisis, or any other kind of emotional distress, you can reach a trained, compassionate crisis counselor for help 24 hours a day, seven days a week by phone, text or chat," said HHS Assistant Secretary for Mental Health and Substance Use and leader of SAMHSA Miriam E. Delphin-Rittmon, Ph.D. "Many people are thriving and leading fulfilling lives today because they reached out and got the help that 988 provides."