Ohio's 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline Reaches One Million Contacts Across All 88 Counties
Ohio Governor Mike DeWine announced on October 30 that Ohio's 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline has responded to more than one million calls, text messages, and online chats since launching in July 2022. The announcement was made in Columbus, Franklin County, Ohio.
"Reaching one million contacts is a significant milestone for Ohio and a powerful reminder that people are reaching out for help," Governor DeWine said. "Behind every call, text, or chat is a person who deserves to be heard, supported, and treated with compassion. We are grateful to the call center staff and community partners across Ohio who work every day to ensure that their fellow Ohioans know they are not alone and that help is available."
Ohioans experiencing a behavioral health crisis can call or text 988, or chat online, to receive free, confidential support from a trained specialist 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The Ohio Department of Behavioral Health (DBH) administers the 988 Lifeline through an in-state network of contact centers serving all 88 counties. So far this year, those specialists have responded to an average of more than 30,000 contacts each month.
"This milestone is more than a number. Each contact is an opportunity to connect someone with support, help them navigate a challenging moment, and identify resources that can support their well-being," said DBH Director Tia Marcel Moretti. "Every call, text, and chat to 988 represents a step toward hope and healing."
The 988 Lifeline also connects young people ages 20 and under in overwhelming emotional, mental health, or behavioral crisis with Mobile Response and Stabilization Services (MRSS), which provide immediate, in-person support at home or another safe location within an hour of initial contact or at a time that works best for the family. The service is free to families, and Governor DeWine last year announced a statewide expansion of MRSS to all 88 counties. More information is available through the Ohio 988 Lifeline website.
Source: GSM · USA
Related: Nevada Seeks $2.3 Million in Federal Funds to Expand 988 Crisis Response Capacity
Source: GSM · USA (original Chinese edition)
Photo: 图：俄亥俄州哥伦布市市中心。Kārlis Dambrāns 摄，CC BY 2.0，经 Wikimedia Commons。 / Downtown Columbus, Ohio. Photo by Kārlis Dambrāns, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons.
