As a Crisis Hotline Grows, So Do Fears It Won’t Be Ready

As a Crisis Hotline Grows, So Do Fears It Won’t Be Ready

Posted on March 13, 2022

There are growing concerns that the 24-hour National Suicide Prevention hotline, already straining to meet demand, will not be able to deliver on the promises of the overhaul for the launch of 988, unless states supplement the federal money with significant funds for staffing. Within a few years of the introduction of 988, it is likely to attract tens of millions of people seeking help, estimates show. Those projections are driving mental health advocates as they prod state lawmakers to approve funding. “Our concern is very much about whether there will be someone to answer that call when someone is in crisis,” said Hannah Wesolowski, NAMI Chief Advocacy Officer.