The 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline is one of the most important tools we have to prevent youth suicide and support families in crisis. In the U.S., suicide remains the second leading cause of death for young people ages 10–34. While progress has been made in suicide prevention and awareness, many families still don’t know where to turn when emotional pain becomes overwhelming.
The Lifesaving Role of the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline
One of the most powerful tools we have today is the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. By simply dialing or texting 988, anyone can be connected within seconds to trained crisis counselors who provide free, confidential support 24/7.
This number serves as a lifeline for children, teens, parents, and caregivers. However, awareness of 988 is still alarmingly low: only about 15% of U.S. adults know what it is. That means millions of families may not realize that immediate help is just three digits away.
Just as children are taught to dial 911 for emergencies, we must also teach them that 988 is the number to call when emotional pain feels overwhelming.
Why Inclusive Support Matters
Until recently, the 988 Lifeline offered a specialized option—by pressing “3”—that connected LGBTQ+ youth with affirming, identity-specific support. In its short lifespan, this option handled more than 1.3 million calls, proving how essential it was.
Due to recent funding cuts, this LGBTQ+-specific option has been discontinued. This loss is deeply concerning. LGBTQ+ youth experience significantly higher rates of suicidal thoughts and attempts compared to their peers. Having access to counselors who understand rejection, bullying, or isolation can make the difference between despair and hope.
What Families and Communities Can Do
Families, schools, and communities can all play a role in spreading awareness and creating safe, inclusive support systems:
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Raise awareness of 988. Families, schools, faith communities, and youth-serving organizations can spread the word that immediate crisis support is available.
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Advocate for inclusive services. Every child deserves affirming, safe, and supportive care. Without specialized options, communities must push harder to ensure inclusivity within crisis support systems.
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Normalize reaching out. Open conversations about mental health and suicide prevention reduce stigma. Asking for help should be celebrated as a sign of strength, not weakness.
How Schools and Communities Can Share 988
Schools, youth organizations, and community groups are powerful partners in spreading the word about the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. Posters in classrooms, information in parent newsletters, and social media campaigns can all help normalize reaching out for help. By weaving 988 awareness into everyday environments where youth already gather, we can ensure this number becomes as well-known as 911.
A Call to Action
Here are three simple but powerful steps you can take today:
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Save 988 in your phone and encourage your children or students to do the same.
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Share the number widely—on social media, in newsletters, and in everyday conversations.
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Advocate for inclusive and accessible mental health services, especially for young people at higher risk.
When a child or teen is in crisis, every second counts. The 988 Lifeline has the power to change outcomes—but only if people know it exists, and only if it feels safe and affirming for everyone.
Why This Matters to Me
As someone who has spent over a decade working in schools—primarily with middle and high school students—I have seen firsthand how essential suicide prevention and awareness truly are. This is work I am deeply passionate about, and I know that together, as a community, we can make a real difference.
Let’s spread the word, support inclusive crisis services, and remind every young person: You are not alone. Help is here.