JACKSON, Wyo. — It’s been two years since 988, a help line for people in mental health crisis, went online in Wyoming.
The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) Wyoming is celebrating the second anniversary of the service, which it calls “a milestone in mental health crisis response.”
On July 16, 2022, 988 was launched as an easy-to-remember 24/7 line for anyone needing help to reach a trained crisis counselor.
“This initiative represents a significant step forward in our efforts to ensure that individuals in crisis receive the timely and appropriate care they need,” NAMI Wyoming Executive Director Shea Ward said in the release. “By raising awareness about 988 and its life-saving capabilities, we continue to break down barriers to mental health care and promote a community where everyone feels supported.”
The crisis line has been evolving since its inception. In 2023, 988 added Spanish text and chat, specialized services for LGBTQ+ youth and young adults, and a videophone option for American Sign Language users.
Nationwide, the line has received more than 10 million calls, texts and chats from people seeking help with suicidal thoughts and mental health and substance abuse crises, according to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. The line received 51% more texts in its second year over its fist.
“Next up is a georouting solution that will make it possible for callers in crisis to get help near where they are, instead of just based on the area code of their device,” Federal Communications Comission Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel said in a press release. “This is critical for students away from family and friends, those who have recently relocated, and anyone who has a number that does not correlate with where they are when they need assistance in crisis.”
