988 Linked to Significant Decrease in Suicides

The 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline has been linked to an 11 percent decrease in suicides nationwide among individuals age 15-34 since its inception in July 2022. This translates to 4,400 fewer suicides than expected based on United States historical trends. Adults over age 65 — a group that has had lower but rising utilization of 988 — experienced a 4.5 percent reduction in suicides compared to projections. These findings are from a study published as a research letter in JAMA, which compared actual suicide deaths in the United States from July 2022 to December 2024 with projections based on historical trends (1999 to 2022).

The ten states with the largest increases in 988 calls (which includes Maryland) experienced an 18.2 percent reduction in suicides among this age group compared with expected suicides. The ten states with the lowest call volume experienced a 10.6 percent reduction.

As reported by PBS Newshour, the lead author of this research letter, Dr. Visha Patel, concluded that "the 988 program is one of the largest federal investments in suicide prevention in U.S. history — roughly $1.5 billion cumulative — and our findings suggest that investment has translated into measurable reductions in young adult suicide deaths." New York University researcher Jonathan Purtle stated that, while the hotline “is not a panacea for preventing suicide death,” its impact "is a really big deal and underscores the need for sustained investment in 988 from federal, and especially state, lawmakers."

MDH Honors Award - BHA 988 Team

On March 10, 2026, the Behavioral Health Administration (BHA) 988 and crisis services team and other BHA and Medicaid colleagues received the Maryland Department of Health (MDH) Team Impact Award from Secretary Dr. Meena Seshamani. Given to two teams Department-wide, the Team Impact Award is for the exceptional quality of the team’s work, dedication, and impact.

Mental Health Awareness Month

May is Mental Health Awareness Month. Since 1949, this month has been dedicated to reducing stigma surrounding behavioral health, providing support, and prioritizing self-care. This year's theme is “See the Person. Support the Journey.”

You can support the Go Green campaign, organized by the BHA’s Office of Suicide Prevention and the Mental Health Association of

Maryland (MHAMD),which aims to promote mental health awareness by encouraging Maryland organizations, businesses, and communities to "Go Green," a symbol of growth, hope, and solidarity for mental wellness.

The Substance Abuse Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) has also created a Mental Health Awareness Month Toolkit which includes social media graphics, virtual backgrounds, stickers, email signatures, guidance on hashtag usage, weekly themes, and key messages. SAMHSA encourages everyone, especially those working in the behavioral health field, to share these materials in your own Mental Health Awareness Month efforts. Organizations and individuals can share items from the Maryland 988 Toolkit anytime during the year!

How Your Organization Can Participate

Practice Gratitude: Set up a "gratitude wall" to share what you are thankful for.

Wear Green and Light Buildings in Green: Participate in the “Be Seen in Green” activity and share pictures using hashtags (#MentalHealthAwarenessMonth, #MHAM2026, #MentalHealthMatters, #SeeThePerson, #SupportMatters, #GreenRibbon, #MentalHealthAwareness).

Wellness Workshops: Host yoga, guided meditation, or stress management sessions.

Volunteer and Spread the word: Share your time, resources, and information with others.

Celebrate Staff: Recognize behavioral health staff and their work. Check in with co-workers and share your appreciation of their efforts.

How Individuals Can Participate

Check in with Yourself & Others: A simple "How are you, really?" can open the door to meaningful connection and break the stigma.

Prioritize Self-Care: Engage in activities that fill your cup — whether it is a walk outside, starting a gratitude journal, or taking a break.

Seek Support: Remember, reaching out for help is a sign of strength, not weakness. If you or someone you know is struggling, help is available. You can call, text or chat 988 to reach the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline 24/7.

Annual Poster Contest Winner Chosen and Honored

The Behavioral Health Administration partnered with MHAMD on the 988-themed Children’s Mental Health Matters annual poster contest. We received 170 submissions from school-aged youth across the state. The winning poster (top) was created by a student from Barnesville School of Arts and Sciences in Montgomery County who received a Governor’s Citation from First Lady Dawn Moore at the People’s House on May 7, 2026. First Lady Moore and Secretary Dr. Seshamani provided remarks on the importance of 988, the campaign, and the student artists, as outlined in the Office of the Governor Press Release. The posters will be placed at locations statewide to promote 988 in Maryland. Thank you to everyone who promoted the poster contest and to all of the schools and youth who participated!

988 Commonly Asked Questions:

Is 988 just for suicide?

No. Contact 988 for a full range of challenges, including the ones listed below. You can contact 988 for yourself or to get advice on how to help a loved one.

Immediate Crisis: If you or a loved one are experiencing thoughts of suicide, self-harm, or a mental health crisis (including anxiety, depression, or panic attacks).
Substance Use: Struggles with drug or alcohol misuse and related crises.

Overwhelming Feelings: When dealing with intense loneliness, isolation, stress, or an inability to cope with daily life.
Relationship Challenges: Conflicts within a family, relationship breakdowns, or issues like bullying.
Abuse and Trauma: The emotional impacts of emotional, physical, or sexual abuse.
Financial Distress: Crises stemming from job loss, housing insecurity, or economic stress.
Concern for Others: Seeking advice and resources for a friend, family member, or loved one who is struggling.

What happens when someone mentions they are suicidal to a 988 counselor?

Experiencing suicidal thoughts can be very upsetting, but having these thoughts does not automatically mean a person is in immediate, significant danger.
988 counselors are trained to ask questions to understand more about the person's thoughts and current safety. This allows them to determine the best way to help and connect the person with the most appropriate services.
In many instances it can be helpful for the 988 counselor to send a Mobile Crisis Response and Stabilization Provider out to the location of the person experiencing suicidal thoughts. This team will take time to understand the full situation, help calm things down, and provide immediate support. The goal is to work together to move past urgent needs and make connections with ongoing support in your community.
If the person has a specific plan and intent to act on their suicidal thoughts, and there are concerns for their immediate safety, it is important that action is taken to help keep them safe right away. The counselor will suggest options depending on the situation.

Marae Wright. 988 Phone Counselor, Baltimore County Crisis Response System

What experiences made you want to become a text/chat/call specialist for 988?

After working in direct care for about three years, I wanted to experience helping individuals get through some of their toughest times in a different way. In direct care, I often wondered if their symptoms would be as severe if they had adequate support before getting to the hospital. Supporting people from this side of the crisis has, at times, prevented them from needing more invasive levels of care. On the other hand, there are still times when clients may need inpatient care, but we’re able to support them before and after through follow-up calls and resources. It’s overall a well-rounded service that provides continuous support, and I really value that.

What are you most proud of?

I am most proud of how many people we support daily. One of my favorite moments is when a client shares that they aren’t having suicidal thoughts — they just

need someone to talk to. After talking with them, they might say, “You can follow up if you want.” It reflects their expectation of being left alone, but then we follow up in the next few days. The relief in their voice when they realize we actually care enough to check in again means everything.

What should others know about calling, texting, or chatting 988?

I would love for people to know that, for many of us, this isn’t just a job, it’s a purpose. We truly aim to make a difference in someone’s life, even if it’s just one day at a time.

How many years have you worked in behavioral health, and in what roles?

I have worked in behavioral health for seven years. From 2019–2021, I nannied children with behavioral health conditions. From 2021–2023, I worked as a mental health worker at Sheppard Pratt. From 2023–2024, I worked as a service coordinator for the State. From 2024 to the present, I have been working as a phone counselor. I am also currently in my third and final year of my Master’s program in Clinical Mental Health Counseling.

Lisa Taylor, MSW. Call Specialist/Shift Supervisor, Mental Health Association of Frederick County

What experiences made you want to become a text/chat/call specialist for 988?

I feel adamant about providing mental health services to those that need services. I value making a difference through helping those in crisis. When I first started, the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline was an 800 number and we got far fewer calls compared to when the number changed to 988. 988 helps normalize behavioral health treatment and convinces others that it is not bad to reach out for help. It is important to remember that 988 also provides crisis services for folks that are not having thoughts of suicide. Referrals are given to those that may benefit from seeing a therapist or psychiatrist.

What are you most proud of?

It is satisfying when a person reaching out to 988 tells me how beneficial the call was.

How many years have you worked in behavioral health and what roles?

I have worked in behavioral health for over 20 years. I started as a Crisis Call Specialist, which involved answering behavioral health crisis calls, and providing infor1ation and referral services. Now, I am a call specialist shift supervisor.

Tell us something about yourself (hobbies, pets, family, etc).

I live with my dog named Daisy. She is my buddy. I also love sports. I played basketball, volleyball, and softball. My favorite sport is tennis. I was a West Virginia state champion in singles and doubles tennis in college.

988 Day 2026

Start preparing now for 988 Day, which will be on Tuesday, September 8! This is a great opportunity for a united effort to spread the word about 988. Organizations are encouraged to develop their own 988 Day campaigns. Check out resources and ideas on the Maryland 988 toolkit and the national 988 Day webpage.

Help get the word out about 988!

We encourage everyone, particularly behavioral health providers, to get the word out about 988 to clients, colleagues, community members, family, and friends. You can use materials from the Maryland 988 Toolkit - which includes printable posters, wallet cards, and flyers, social media materials, digital and audio ads, and tip sheets and more.

Sign-up for the monthly Scoop Newsletter: Office of Wellness and Prevention

The Office of Integrated Wellness and Prevention within the Behavioral Health Administration invites you to sign up for its monthly newsletter. The newsletter shares updates on suicide prevention, substance use prevention, and problem gambling prevention efforts across Maryland. It highlights upcoming trainings and events, new tools and resources, data and policy updates, and examples of prevention work happening in communities statewide. Sign up here for the monthly Scoop Newsletter.