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Twin Cities 988 call center continues to expand
A year after the country transitioned to 988, the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, the demand for mental health services continues to grow in Minnesota.
(FOX 9) - More Minnesotans are reaching out for mental health support, as the 988 Minnesota Lifeline's latest data shows that calls and texts to its lifeline continue to climb since its launch.
988 Minnesota Lifeline sees steady growth in use
What we know:
According to the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH), the 988 Minnesota Lifeline has handled more than 370,000 contacts since it launched in July 2022 as part of the Minnesota Suicide Prevention State Plan.
MDH says that the latest data collected shows that calls and texts to 988 have increased from roughly 25,000 in the first six months of 2022, to roughly 83,000 in the first half of 2026.
Dig deeper:
As a mental health resource, the 988 Minnesota Lifeline is available 24/7 at no cost, offering confidential support for anyone experiencing emotional or mental health challenges, MDH says.
A press release says that specialists are trained to "listen, offer support and reduce immediate danger by helping callers calm down, make safety plans and connect with local resources."
The Source: Information provided by the Minnesota Department of Health.