MDHHS focuses on the importance of Suicide and Crisis Lifeline during mental health month

Daylyn Huff
·2 min read

LANSING, Mich. (WLNS)– The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS), is highlighting the success of the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline and providing knowledge of how to access vital resources for all Michigan residents.

According to the MDHHS, the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, known previously as the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, launched in July 2022. The 988 number is active 24/7 and toll-free nationally, where accessible support is available via call and text.

MDHHS says in March of 2024, Michigan received the seventh-highest volume of 988 calls in the county with 8,845 calls.

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“Michigan’s 988 Lifeline receives as many as 8,000 calls per month,” said Elizabeth Hertel, MDHHS director. “The compassionate staff who answer these calls within seconds are well-trained to help and connect those experiencing crisis with support and resources. We encourage anyone personally experiencing a crisis or their family members to use this resource whenever they may need it.”

MDHHS also states that Michigan had the quickest average speed of answer and the highest answer rate. The average speed to answer was about 17 seconds, which means the percentage of calls from Michigan that were answered by an in-state 988 center was 90%.

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At the start and end of each phone call, people are asked to self-report their level of distress. The MDHHS says state data shows about 46% of people are reporting overwhelming and high levels of distress, and at the end of the call only 16% report high and overwhelming levels of distress.

According to the CDC’s Youth Risk Behavior Survey Data Summary and trends Report, in 2021:

  • 3% of high school students felt sad or hopeless almost every day for two or more weeks in a row during the last 12 months.

  • 5% reported their mental health was not good always or most of the time.

  • 19% of high school students seriously considered attempting suicide during the past year.

  • 9% of high school students made a suicide plan during the past year.

  • 9% of high school students attempted suicide one or more times during the past year.

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For more information about the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, visit the website here.

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