Story perspectives

High 988 Use Cuts Youth Suicides, Saves 4,372 Lives

4/24/2026

Summary

Story summary

States with the biggest rise in 988 use saw an 18.2% youth-suicide decline versus 10.6% in low-use states, with national rates for ages 15-34 falling about 11% below expected, preventing 4,372 deaths.
The 988 lifeline, launched in July 2022 with $1.5 billion, has logged over 25 million calls, texts and chats.
Researchers said the end of COVID-19, new mental-health programs, and England’s unchanged crisis line explain why England saw no comparable youth-suicide drop.

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Story summary

States with the biggest rise in 988 use saw an 18.2% youth-suicide decline versus 10.6% in low-use states, with national rates for ages 15-34 falling about 11% below expected, preventing 4,372 deaths.
The 988 lifeline, launched in July 2022 with $1.5 billion, has logged over 25 million calls, texts and chats.
Researchers said the end of COVID-19, new mental-health programs, and England’s unchanged crisis line explain why England saw no comparable youth-suicide drop.