National Suicide Prevention Month also marks two years of the 988 Lifeline

SALT LAKE CITY — September marks Suicide Prevention Month.  It also marks two years of the National Suicide Prevention line: 988.

Suicide is one of the leading causes of death in the U.S. according to the national institute of mental health. And in Utah, most have a personal connection. 

According to a 2020 survey by the Kem C. Gardner Institute 91% of Utahns said they have a connection to someone who has talked about, attempted, or died by suicide. 

The Salt Lake Behavioral Health facility said that the majority of adults in the U.S. believe, at least some of the time, suicide can be prevented and would take action if someone close was thinking about it. 

But rates keep on rising. 

According to the state health department about 700 Utahns died by suicide in 2023. That’s the highest recorded number only second to 2022. 

Related: ‘We didn’t know she was suffering;’ community mourns family killed in murder-suicide 

The number 988 is the National Suicide Prevention line that allows people to talk to trained crisis counselors 24/7. 

And a Utah phone number will automatically be connected to Utah resources. 

The data from 988 Utah shows that between July 1, 2023, and June 30, 2024, 91,779 crisis calls, and 10,217 chats were received. 

And it just turned two

The three digit phone number celebrated its two-year anniversary on September 8th. 

The National Suicide Prevention line is free to text or call and is confidential. And if over the phone isn’t enough 988 can also send a trained worker to talk in person. 

“The trained crisis workers staffing 988 can help everyone in need of support, whether they’re dealing with a serious mental health crisis or the everyday challenges that can overwhelm anyone. You don’t need to wait until you or someone close to you is in an emergency situation to reach out,” said Rachel Lucynski, director of Community Crisis Intervention & Support Services at Huntsman Mental Health Institute (HMHI).  

Outreach Coordinator at the Huntsman Mental Health Institute Diana Ballesteros also said anyone can call 988. From everyday stressors to if you’re worried about a loved one 988 can offer advice and resources for how you can help. 

“That is why we do this. This is a privilege for us to be able to come in and to know that when people are at their lowest, when people feel their worst, they can get the support,” Ballesteros told KSL NewsRadio.

Those struggling with suicidal thoughts or know someone struggling can call: 

· 988, the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline that provides 24/7 confidential support. Text, chat or call today.

· The Veterans Crisis Line for U.S. Military Veterans, call 988, press 1.

· Trevor Lifeline, the only national 24/7 lifeline for LGBTQ youth, at 1-866-488-7386.

To learn more about 988 you can visit, 988.utah.gov or liveonutah.org