The 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline received more than 185,000 calls in New York during its first year in operation, Gov. Kathy Hochul said Friday, while announcing "New York’s 988 toolkit."
State 988 Contact Centers went online across New York in July 2022 to aid people facing a mental health or substance abuse crisis. A person in crisis can call 988 or text the number to receive help.
The governor on Friday said the state was making available a 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline Education and Awareness Toolkit, described as an interactive resource designed to support individuals facing suicide-risk.
Developed by the state Office of Mental Health, New York’s 988 toolkit includes marketing and educational resources for educators, home and health care providers and families.
"Our new toolkit will help to increase awareness of 988 and allow people to easily share educational materials to help spread the word about 988," state Office of Mental Health Commissioner Dr. Ann Sullivan said.
The 988 hotline went live amid concerns over a growing mental health crisis, particularly among young people. Suicides and overdoses have increased in recent years, coinciding with the COVID-19 pandemic.