RALEIGH, N.C. — The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services this week marked three years of the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, a critical resource that has emerged as a lifeline for residents facing mental health crises across the state.

The milestone comes as new data reveals the service’s significant impact on North Carolina communities, with more than 90% of users reporting they found the service valuable and 33% crediting 988 with saving their life or the life of someone they care about.

Record Usage Demonstrates Growing Need

Since launching in August 2022, the 988 lifeline has experienced steady growth in utilization. From the first full month of service through May 2025, North Carolina averaged more than 9,400 calls, texts, or chats each month. The most recent 12-month period, from June 2024 through May 2025, saw usage increase to 11,443 contacts per month.

The service expanded its accessibility in July 2023 when text and chat options were introduced alongside traditional phone calls. National data shows 68% of contacts are phone calls, 18% are texts, and 14% are chats.

Young People Drive Highest Usage Rates

Mental health statistics underscore the critical need for accessible crisis services. Suicide remains the second leading cause of death among young people aged 10 to 14 and a leading cause of death among those aged 15-24. The data reflects this urgent need, with the 13-17 age group showing the highest contact rates at 97 contacts per 10,000 residents.

Other high-usage demographics include ages 25-34 (96 contacts per 10,000), 18-24 (93 contacts per 10,000), and 35-44 (57 contacts per 10,000), according to the North Carolina 988 Performance Dashboard.

State Leadership Emphasizes Accessibility

“No matter what you are facing, help is just a phone call away for all North Carolinians,” said NC Health and Human Services Secretary Dev Sangvai. “The rapid and successful adoption of 988 is a testament to the need for accessible, compassionate and supportive counselors so someone experiencing a mental health crisis can feel cared for in their most vulnerable moments.”

Kelly Crosbie, MSW, LCSW, Director of the Division of Mental Health, Substance Use Services and Developmental Disorders at NCDHHS, emphasized the particular need among young people. “The need for mental health care for young people in North Carolina has never been greater,” Crosbie said. “We are building a system of crisis services to ensure there will always be someone to contact, someone to respond and a safe place for help if you are in crisis or just need someone to talk to.”

Federal Changes Affect LGBTQ+ Services

The celebration comes amid federal policy changes affecting specialized services. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services recently announced it would eliminate federal funding for the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline service dedicated to LGBTQ+ youth services. Beginning July 17, 2025, callers will no longer have the option to “Press 3” for LGBTQ+ youth-specific crisis support.

NCDHHS officials stressed their commitment to serving all North Carolinians regardless of this federal change. “NCDHHS is committed to responding to everyone who needs mental health services. Everyone can and should still call 988, including members of the LGBTQ+ community,” the department stated.

Comprehensive Crisis Response System

The 988 lifeline represents just one component of North Carolina’s broader mental health crisis response infrastructure. The state has invested heavily in behavioral health services, committing more than $130 million from the 2023 state budget’s $835 million behavioral health investment specifically to transforming crisis response services.

Additional crisis services include mobile crisis teams that provide in-person support, Community Crisis Centers open 24/7 with licensed clinicians available to people ages 4 and up, and various community resources available at ncdhhs.gov/CrisisServices.

Community Resources and Support

To support community awareness and education, NCDHHS has developed a Crisis Services Communications Toolkit featuring free flyers, posters, and other resources available in English and Spanish. Additional information about 988 services is available at 988lifeline.org.

The department emphasized that resources remain available for various situations including social or family problems, depression, anxiety, panic attacks, thoughts of suicide, alcohol or drug use, or for those who simply need someone to talk to. These resources can be found on the NCDHHS Suicide Prevention website.

If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health or needs someone to talk to, help is available. Call, text, or chat 988 for immediate support.