Columbus, Ohio – Ohio Governor Mike DeWine announced that the state’s 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline has surpassed one million contacts since its launch in July 2022, marking a major milestone for a service designed to help people experiencing mental health and behavioral health emergencies.
The total includes phone calls, text messages, and online chats from individuals seeking assistance during difficult moments.
State officials said the achievement demonstrates the importance of providing residents with immediate access to trained crisis specialists, regardless of the time of day.
The service operates around the clock, offering free and confidential assistance to Ohioans who need emotional support or help managing a crisis.
“Reaching one million contacts is a significant milestone for Ohio and a powerful reminder that people are reaching out for help,” said Governor DeWine. “Behind every call, text, or chat is a person who deserves to be heard, supported, and treated with compassion. We are grateful to the call center staff and community partners across Ohio who work every day to ensure that their fellow Ohioans know they are not alone and that help is available.”
Crisis specialists respond to more than 30,000 contacts each month
The Ohio Department of Behavioral Health oversees the state’s 988 Lifeline through a network of contact centers that provide services across all 88 Ohio counties.
Residents experiencing a behavioral health crisis can reach the service by calling or texting 988. They can also communicate with a trained specialist through the online chat available at 988lifeline.org.
All three options are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
The specialists working at Ohio’s crisis centers are trained to listen to individuals experiencing distress, provide immediate support and help them find additional services within their communities.
According to state officials, the centers have handled an average of more than 30,000 contacts per month so far this year.
The figures highlight the continued use of the Lifeline several years after its introduction.
Ohio Department of Behavioral Health Director Tia Marcel Moretti emphasized that the program’s importance extends beyond the number of people contacting the service.
“This milestone is more than a number. Each contact is an opportunity to connect someone with support, help them navigate a challenging moment, and identify resources that can support their well-being,” said DBH Director Tia Marcel Moretti. “Every call, text, and chat to 988 represents a step toward hope and healing.”
Ohio expands crisis response services for children and young adults
Alongside the Lifeline’s broader services, Ohio has also developed a system to provide additional assistance to children and young adults experiencing serious emotional or behavioral health difficulties.
Through 988, individuals ages 20 and younger can be connected with Mobile Response and Stabilization Services, commonly known as MRSS.
The program offers free assistance to families whose children are experiencing overwhelming emotional distress, mental health challenges or behavioral crises.
Governor DeWine announced a statewide expansion of MRSS last year, making the service available in all 88 Ohio counties.
Unlike assistance provided only by phone or online, MRSS can send trained behavioral health professionals directly to a young person and their family.
A specialist can meet with them at their home or another safe location within one hour of the initial contact. Families may also arrange a different meeting time that better fits their needs.
Once on location, the response team works to calm the situation, provide immediate assistance and help the family identify services that can offer continued support.
The goal is to address the immediate crisis while also helping young people and their families access resources for longer-term care.
State officials highlighted the connection between the 988 Lifeline and MRSS as part of Ohio’s broader effort to make crisis assistance available throughout the state.
With more than one million contacts recorded since July 2022, Ohio’s 988 system continues to provide residents with a direct way to reach trained professionals during mental health emergencies.
Anyone in Ohio who needs crisis support can call or text 988 or use the Lifeline’s online chat service at any hour, without paying for assistance.
