Report: 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline two years later
TOPEKA (KSNT) - The Kansas Department for Aging and Disability Services (KDADS) shared its annual report detailing the expansion of the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline and statistics on calls made since its launch in 2022.
According to the KDADS, the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline has answered 10 million calls since July 2022. The service has seen a more than 100% increase in text and chat volume from July 2023 to July 2024.
The number of calls answered in-state has dropped below the national and state goal of 90% with an average of 88.5% answered in-state from August 2023 to July 2024. In year two of the program, the 988 Suicide Crisis Lifeline saw a 70% increase in calls answered in-state from the previous 12-month period.
“As the Lifeline enters year three, continued attention to workforce development, public outreach, and service accessibility will be key to ensuring it can meet the needs of all Kansans in crisis,” said KDADS Deputy Secretary of Programs and Coordinating Council Chair Andrew Brown.
In 2024, the Kansas 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline received $5.4 million from more than $200 million in federal grants awarded.
"Data shows a rise in calls to Kansas 988 centers throughout 2024, reflecting growing awareness of this important resource,” said Kansas Health Institute (KHI) Analyst Valentina Blanchard MPH, LMSW. “Supporting the council's work helps ensure that Kansans have access to the care and connection they need.”
You can read the full KDADS report by clicking here. You can learn more about the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline in Kansas by clicking here.
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