MICHIGAN, USA — Each May, Mental Health Month is recognized to raise awareness around mental health and its treatment.
The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) is reminding Michiganders that the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline is available 24/7. The toll-free hotline, which was originally called the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, first launched in July 2022 and has taken millions of calls from around the nation.
Anyone experiencing a mental health crisis or struggle is encouraged to call 988. Those who may need help supporting a loved one through a difficult time can also call 988.
In March, Michigan saw 8,845 calls to 988, the seventh-highest number in the nation. The MDHHS said the average time for 988 specialists to answer was 17 seconds, and 90% of calls were answered by the call center. This was the quickest and highest answer rate of the top seven high-volume states.
“Michigan’s 988 Lifeline receives as many as 8,000 calls per month,” said MDHHS Director Elizabeth Hertel. “The compassionate staff who answer these calls within seconds are well-trained to help and connect those experiencing crisis with support and resources. We encourage anyone personally experiencing a crisis or their family members to use this resource whenever they may need it.”
988 specialists stay on the line with callers until they are feeling better, and offer callers a follow-up to make sure they have gotten resources.
Currently, Michigan call centers take 988 calls, and texts to 988 are handled by specialists around the U.S. Michigan is working to implement technology to answer 988 texts within a year.
You can learn more about what 988 offers here.
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