As North Carolina marks three years since the launch of the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, the state is recognized as a leader in ensuring mental health support is accessible to all residents. This initiative aims to provide crucial assistance to individuals dealing with depression, anxiety, family issues, or those who simply need a supportive ear in times of crisis.
Recent surveys highlight the lifeline’s impact, with over 90% of users attesting to its community value, and 33% crediting it for saving lives. From August 2022 to May 2025, North Carolina received more than 9,400 monthly contacts, including calls, texts, and chats. The availability of text and chat options, introduced in July 2023, contributed to a rise in monthly contacts to 11,443 by May 2025. National figures indicate that 68% of these contacts are phone calls, 18% texts, and 14% chats.
“No matter what you are facing, help is just a phone call away for all North Carolinians,” stated NC Health and Human Services Secretary Dev Sangvai. The swift adoption of the 988 service underscores the need for accessible mental health support, ensuring individuals in crisis feel cared for during vulnerable times.
Mental health challenges affect every North Carolinian, with rising rates of anxiety and depression. Suicide ranks as the second leading cause of death for those aged 10-14 and is prominent among 15-24-year-olds. Experienced 988 operators are dedicated to responding to every call, providing necessary support and resources.
Data from the North Carolina 988 Performance Dashboard reveals that the 13-17 age group makes the most contacts, averaging 97 per 10,000 residents. This is followed by those aged 25-34 (96), 18-24 (93), and 35-44 (57).
“The need for mental health care for young people in North Carolina has never been greater,” expressed Kelly Crosbie, NCDHHS Director of the Division of Mental Health, Substance Use Services, and Developmental Disorders. Efforts are ongoing to build a comprehensive crisis service system that ensures someone is always available to help.
Despite recent announcements from the United States Department of Health and Human Services to cut federal funding for LGBTQ+ youth services within the 988 Lifeline, the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services remains committed to supporting all individuals. As of July 17, 2025, the option for LGBTQ+ youth to Press 3 will be removed. Nevertheless, everyone, including the LGBTQ+ community, is encouraged to continue using 988 for support.
The 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline is a key part of NCDHHS’s mission to provide immediate support. The 2023 state budget allocated $835 million for behavioral health, with over $130 million dedicated to transforming mental health crisis responses.
Beyond the 988 Lifeline, NCDHHS offers various crisis services, including mobile crisis teams and community crisis centers, available 24/7 without appointment. For more information on low or no cost services, visit ncdhhs.gov/CrisisServices.
The Crisis Services Communications Toolkit offers resources in both English and Spanish to promote these services in communities. For more details on 988, visit 988lifeline.org.
If you or someone you know needs mental health support, resources are available via the NCDHHS Suicide Prevention website for those experiencing social or family issues, depression, anxiety, or thoughts of suicide.
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