LANSING, Mich. (News 10) – Four years after the nationwide launch of the 988 Mental Health Crisis Lifeline, a new University of Michigan poll finds that many middle-aged and older adults remain unaware of the free service.
Among adults aged 50 and older, 31% said they have never heard of any mental health crisis line. Since its launch, Americans have dialed or texted 988 a total of 26 million times.
Awareness gap could cost lives
Kevin Saulnier, a psychologist who co-led the poll at the University of Michigan, said raising awareness of the line can save lives — potentially preventing suicides and overdoses.
Saulnier said middle-aged and older adults are more likely to turn to other resources before 988…