MDHHS joins SAMHSA to highlight importance of 988 Lifeline during 988 Day and National Suicide Prevention Month

LANSING, Mich. – The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) is joining with the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration to observe the second annual 988 Day Monday, Sept. 8.  

988 Day is a national initiative dedicated to raising awareness about the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline through the overarching theme “Compassionate Help. Anytime. Anywhere.” This observance, coinciding with National Suicide Prevention Month, underscores the critical importance of behavioral health awareness, fostering open communication and extending support to individuals in their moments of need.  

“Strengthening crisis care and mental health services continues to be a top priority in Michigan and 988 is an important part of that effort,” said Elizabeth Hertel, MDHHS director. “We encourage anyone experiencing a crisis, whether personally or through one of their family members, to use this resource whenever needed.” 

The 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, previously known as the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, is a 24/7 toll-free nationwide hotline consisting of a network of local call centers across the country that confidentially provide compassionate care for people with emotional distress or crisis related to life circumstances, anxiety, depression, suicide, mental health, substance use and more. Calls to Michigan’s 988 Lifeline are answered by compassionate and well-trained staff who help connect those experiencing crisis with support and resources. This line offers immediate support to people when life gets to be too much, regardless of the reason for call.  

According to the 2024 State of Mental Health in America report, almost 23% of Michigan adults have a mental health illness and more than 424,000 had serious thoughts of suicide.  In addition, more than one in every 10 youths had serious thoughts of suicide. With rising levels of anxiety and emotional distress, it is crucial people have somewhere to turn when they are in crisis.  

The support offered to Michigan residents through 988 is vital in providing de-escalation of crisis and reducing levels of distress. Since July 2022, nearly 261,000 calls from Michigan residents have been answered by 988. At the beginning and close of each 988 call, individuals are asked to self-report their level of distress. State data shows that about 54% of individuals are calling in and reporting overwhelming and high levels of distress and by the end of the call only 14% are still reporting overwhelming and high levels of distress.  

The 988 Lifeline is a direct connection to immediate support and resources as the average time it takes for a call to be answered in Michigan is 13 seconds. People who are worried about a loved one who may need support can also call 988. There are specialized services available for veterans and individuals who speak Spanish by selecting the corresponding option on the call menu. 

Crisis center calling services are available in English and Spanish, as well as a Language Line Solutions to provide translation services in more than 250 additional languages is also available. Text and chat are currently available in English only. 

TTY users will be served either through their preferred relay service or by dialing 711 then 800-273-8255. 

For more information, visit 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline and Michigan Crisis & Access Line. 

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