988 mental health lifeline sees record use across Minnesota
(ABC 6 News)–More Minnesotans are reaching out for mental health support through the 988 Minnesota Lifeline than ever before. The Minnesota Department of Health says calls, texts and online chats to 988 have steadily increased since the national crisis line launched in July 2022. Contacts grew from about 25,000 during the program’s first six months to […]
(ABC 6 News)–More Minnesotans are reaching out for mental health support through the 988 Minnesota Lifeline than ever before. The Minnesota Department of Health says calls, texts and online chats to 988 have steadily increased since the national crisis line launched in July 2022. Contacts grew from about 25,000 during the program’s first six months to roughly 83,000 in the first half of 2026. Gov. Tim Walz and the Minnesota Legislature passed legislation in 2023 to provide funding support for 988 to meet increasing needs as more Minnesotans learn about and use 988. The funding has helped expand local 988 Lifeline centers, allowing more Minnesotans to connect with trained in-state specialists who provide confidential support, safety planning and referrals to community resources. The free service is available 24 hours a day by calling or texting 988 or chatting online. Spanish-language support is available, and interpreters can assist callers in more than 200 languages. The department says Minnesota’s suicide rate has declined from its historic high of 14. 8 per 100,000 residents in 2022, though officials continue working to raise awareness of the service through a statewide campaign encouraging people to seek help when they need it. If you, or someone you know, need immediate emotional or mental health support, call or text 988 or visit the988lifeline. orgto connect online with a trained counselor. For Related Stories:988Mental health