Yes! There is now excellent evidence that the national suicide prevention line, or 988, has been highly effective at preventing suicides. 988 is a nationwide 3-digit suicide prevention and crisis line, which launched in 2022.
Since its launch, several studies have found that the introduction of this crisis line option has been associated with significant drops in suicide deaths. In a study published in April of 2026, researchers found that suicide deaths were 11% lower among 15- to 23-year-olds than estimated based on patterns before the launch of 988. This translated to 4,400 fewer deaths in this age group. While it can be difficult to say conclusively from observational data that 988 caused the drop in suicides, the researchers in this study noted that the 10 states with the largest call volumes to 988 had the most significant reductions in suicide deaths. These reductions were also greater in younger people than those over 65, who are less likely to use the lifeline, and there were no similar changes in England’s suicide rates over the same time period, where no comparable lifeline existed.
Despite this resounding success, not all populations are being adequately served by the lifeline. In the summer of 2025, the federal government cut funding for 988’s “Option 3,” a specialized line for LGBTQ+ youth, despite reams of evidence demonstrating the heightened suicide risk in this population. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services has announced plans to restore Option 3, but the timeline is unclear. Additionally, the use of 988 is uneven across different groups. In some surveys, Black, Hispanic and LGBTQ+ respondents have expressed hesitation about using 988 due to fear of potential police involvement. It’s worth noting that identity-specific, culturally responsive alternatives to 988 do exist, including The Trevor Project suicide hotline for LGBTQ+ young people, BlackLine, and StrongHearts Native Helpline, among others.
Unfortunately, many experts agree that the patchwork of federal and state funding for 988 is not enough to meet the true need. In one recent study, only 29% of 988 call centers reported having adequate staffing to meet call demand. Some lawmakers, such as representatives in New Jersey, have proposed a monthly tax on phone lines to help fund 988. Lawmakers often view this as a hard sell to American taxpayers, although a 2023 survey found that 75% of Americans are willing to pay a fee to support 988.
The 988 suicide prevention lifeline has been a major success and has saved many lives. More work is needed to ensure that the lifeline reaches all members of the population who need it and that it can be adequately and sustainably financed.
