State Recognizes National 988 Day While Highlighting Accessibility Improvements for Deaf and Hard of Hearing Community

RALEIGH, N.C. — The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services is celebrating national 988 Day while commemorating the second anniversary of American Sign Language (ASL) services becoming available through the national 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline.

The milestone highlights significant progress in making mental health crisis services accessible to all North Carolinians, including the Deaf and Hard of Hearing community.

ASL Services Show Strong Usage Numbers

The 988 Lifeline, which launched in July 2022, began offering direct video calling services for ASL users on September 8, 2023, through the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Service Administration of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

In the first 22 months of operation through July 2025, the national 988 ASL videophone service received more than 48,000 calls nationwide. The videophone service operates through a national call center rather than individual state centers.

“Imagine struggling with your mental health and facing the additional barrier of not being able to effectively communicate with a crisis counselor,” said Tony Davis, Director of the NCDHHS Division of Services for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing. “Making 988 available to our Deaf, Hard of Hearing and DeafBlind community has signified another step toward improving outcomes for people who face greater health and situational challenges.”

North Carolina Leads in 988 Implementation

North Carolina’s 988 service is operated by the REAL Crisis Center in Greenville, a nonprofit organization providing immediate crisis services at no charge. The state has emerged as a national leader in 988 implementation, maintaining an extensive usage dashboard to track service statistics.

From June 2024 through May 2025, North Carolina’s 988 service averaged more than 11,500 contacts per month through calls, texts, and chats. In May 2025 alone, the center received more than 13,300 contacts, including nearly 3,000 from veterans and over 200 from Spanish-speaking individuals.

A recent survey revealed that one in three callers to 988 from North Carolina report the service saved their life or someone else’s life.

High Satisfaction Rates Drive Repeat Usage

Kelly Crosbie, Director of the NCDHHS Division of Mental Health, Developmental Disabilities, and Substance Use Services, noted that almost half of the contacts received by 988 come from individuals who have reached out previously—an indication of satisfaction with the help they received.

“When dealing with mental health issues, sometimes taking that first step is the most difficult,” Crosbie said. “The 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline offers access to trained counselors twenty-four hours a day and allows people to get the help they need when and where they are most comfortable.”

Statewide Mental Health Recognition

NC Health and Human Services Secretary Dev Sangvai emphasized the department’s commitment to accessible mental health services. “Our department is committed to ensuring all North Carolinians have access to life-saving services, including the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline,” Sangvai said. “By recognizing 988 Day, we acknowledge the challenges faced by people who are in crisis and celebrate the steps we are taking to make sure individuals, families and communities have access to the help they need.”

The celebration coincides with National Suicide Prevention Week, proclaimed by Governor Josh Stein for September 7-13. The proclamation acknowledges that suicide is the second-leading cause of death for people aged 10-40 in North Carolina. September also marks National Recovery Month, recognizing evidence-based treatment and recovery practices.

Comprehensive Crisis Services Available

The 988 Lifeline serves as part of a broader continuum of mental health services in North Carolina. The service provides targeted support for at-risk populations, including veterans and youth, and features Spanish-language counselors alongside the new ASL video services.

Additional crisis resources include the Peer Warmline (1-855-PEERS NC), offering 24/7 support from Peer Support Specialists who have lived experience with mental illness and substance use disorders. The state also operates mobile crisis teams and community crisis centers as alternatives to emergency room visits.

For immediate help, contact 988 by phone, text, or chat. Deaf and Hard of Hearing individuals can dial 988 on videophone or visit the website and click the “Deaf/HoH” button for direct connection to ASL-fluent counselors. All services are free, confidential, and available 24/7.