COLUMBUS, Ohio (AVC News) – Ohio’s 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline has responded to more than one million calls, text messages and online chats since launching in July 2022, Gov. Mike DeWine announced.
The free, confidential service provides access to trained specialists 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The Ohio Department of Behavioral Health administers the program through a network of in-state contact centers serving all 88 counties. So far this year, specialists have responded to an average of more than 30,000 contacts each month.
The lifeline also connects young people ages 20 and younger experiencing emotional, mental health or behavioral crises with Mobile Response and Stabilization Services. The free service provides in-person support, with a behavioral health specialist meeting with the young person and their family at home or another safe location, typically within an hour of initial contact or at a time that works best for the family. Teams work to de-escalate situations and connect families with ongoing support.
Ohioans experiencing a behavioral health crisis can call or text 988 or use the online chat service at 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline Chat. More information about youth crisis services is available at MRSS Ohio, and details about the state’s suicide prevention efforts can be found at 988 Ohio.
