The launch of the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline in the U.S. has been associated with a significant reduction in suicide deaths among young people, according to a new study published in JAMA on Wednesday.
Researchers found that suicide deaths among adolescents and young adults aged 15 to 34 dropped by 11% compared to projected rates following the implementation of the 988 hotline. This marks a notable shift, as suicide rates among young people in the U.S. have been steadily increasing for decades.
Overall, the number of suicide deaths in the country saw a slight decline in 2024 from its peak in 2022—the same year the 988 hotline was introduced. The study further revealed that states with the largest increases in answered calls to the lifeline experienced the most substantial declines in suicide rates.
The findings underscore the critical role that accessible mental health resources, such as the 988 hotline, play in addressing the growing crisis of youth suicides in the United States.
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