Forbes November 10, 2023
In 2021, 48,183 people died by suicide in the United States. As the suicide rate continues to increase, it is more important than ever to ensure that everyone struggling with their mental health receives the support and services they need in a timely manner.
In July 2022, the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline transitioned from a traditional 10-digit phone number to a shorter, more memorable 3-digit dialing code: 988. Over the next 12 months, the Lifeline has received nearly 5 million calls, texts, and chats, 2 million more than the previous year, according to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). Despite an increase in call volume, SAMHSA reports that answer rates have increased and answer speeds have decreased...