988 Day is observed annually on September 8 to raise awareness for the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. For those who may not know, the 988 Lifeline connects individuals in crisis to trained counselors 24/7 via call, text, or chat, offering support for mental health issues such as suicidal thoughts, anxiety, depression, trauma, or substance use. It can be used as an alternative to calling 911 for mental health crisis support to reach trained counselors and support. The 988 Lifeline is comprised of a national network of over 200 crisis centers, combining local care and resources with national best practices. 

As of September 2026, 988 has now been available for over 4 years, allowing us time to reflect on its impact and evaluate the mental health crisis support landscape. 

A Look at the Data 

Data is proving that 988 is making a difference. According to a recent JAMA study, nearly 4,400 fewer U.S. teens and young adults died by suicide than projected in the first two-and-a-half years of the 988 mental health crisis hotline. The study also found that the 10 states that had the largest increases in call volumes following the launch of 988 also saw significantly larger gaps in expected and actual suicide deaths. 

Awareness of 988 is also improving. A NAMI/Ipsos poll conducted this summer found that nearly 3 in 4 Americans have heard of 988 — up from just 18% before its launch in 2021. However, actual contact remains in single digits. 

Other findings included: 

• 6-7% of Americans have contacted 988 for themselves or someone else, which has doubled since 2023. 

• Adults ages 18-29 report contacting 988 at nine times the rate of those 65 and older (9% vs. 1%). 

• Americans earning less than $50,000 annually are more than twice as likely to report contacting 988 compared to those earning $100,000 or more (9% vs. 4%) 

Areas for Improvement  

While we have made excellent progress forward in enhancing access to mental health crisis support and working to destigmatize needing to reach out for support, recent years have also marked significant steps backward in ensuring everyone, in every community, has access to the support they need.  

In July 2025, the current Administration removed the “Press 3” option from the 988 system which previously could connect LGBTQ+ youth and young adults to a specialized counseling line. This option was designed to provide culturally competent, affirming support. Removing this line sent a harsh, targeted message. It’s especially important to note that LGBTQ+ Americans report contacting 988 at more than double the rate of non-LGBTQ+ peers (11% vs. 5%). Not only is support needed, but competent support from a counselor who understands is crucial. Earlier this year, the Administration shared the option would be added back; however, we have yet to see this promise upheld. Thankfully, in California, AB 1540 (González) from this legislative session reinstates this option and is California’s guarantee that this lifeline never again depends on who holds federal office. However, communities outside of California also need this vital system restored. As of September 3, this bill language was inserted into a budget trailer bill and is headed to the Governor’s desk for signature or veto. Additionally, $5 million has been added to the state budget for this program.

Strengthening Crisis Services for all Californians  

988 launched in 2022 with dedicated funding, but the pieces do not talk to each other. 988, 911, and mobile crisis teams are not coordinated, and no one agency is help accountable. NAMI California is proud to co-sponsor AB 2093 (Bauer-Kahan) this legislative session which will name CalHHS the accountable lead, require real-time 988-to-911 handoffs, require Medi-Cal mobile crisis teams to take 988 referrals in real time, and funds 988 based on projected demand. We are hopeful this bill will look to fix gaps and support a further reach of the system designed to help anyone who reaches out for help.  

Recent reports have also shared that, “with demand up and funding down, California suicide and crisis centers struggle to keep up, “ explaining that providers have reported that over half of crisis chats and texts in California were rerouted to other states last year because they didn’t have enough counselors. There is a lot of work ahead, but we also have a lot to reflect on and be proud of. 988 is an important piece of our state and nation’s behavioral health system and NAMI California remains committed to strengthening our crisis services to ensure families have the resources they need when in crisis. 

Help us celebrate 988 day by raising awareness about the 988 Lifeline and mental health resources and helping to reduce stigma around seeking help for mental health or substance use concerns.