An epic challenge: Running the 988 crisis line as the US suicide rate rises

An epic challenge: Running the 988 crisis line as the US suicide rate rises

Posted on November 20, 2023

The 988 Lifeline has helped millions of people in crisis since the July 2022 launch. Several states have organized stable funding through telecommunication fees. While less than half have created or are in the process of creating legislation to fund 988. There is no pending legislation to financially support the line in at least half of the states, according to the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI). Hannah Wesolowski, NAMI CAO, sees that as a major stumbling block. Wesolowski said the most reliable source of state funding is a telecommunications fee on mobile phone bills every month. Even though all 50 states have a 911 fee, which no one questions, most states haven’t embraced the 988 fee. Only eight states have implemented it and the automatic cost tacked onto phone bills ranges from about 12 to 60 cents per month, according to NAMI. Politicians don’t want to be associated with requesting a telecommunications fee for 988 services because it’s seen as a tax, Wesolowski said. Some states have other methods of funding the program, Wesolowski said, they’re more susceptible to political changes.