Youth suicide rate lower than projected after launch of 988 suicide hotline, study shows

New data offers insight into how the national 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline may be affecting mental health outcomes, particularly among young people. An analysis published in the Journal of the American Medical Association found the youth suicide rate was 11 percent lower than expected in the two and a half years after the hotline launched in 2022. The findings suggest that easier access to immediate mental health support could be helping to save lives.In Minnesota, regional call centers are part of the nationwide 988 network, responding to calls and texts from people in crisis every day.Carolina De Los Rios, director of 988 at Greater Twin Cities United Way, spoke with MPR News host Nina Moini about how the center operates.If you or someone you know is in crisis, you can call or text 988 to reach the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline.