MINNEAPOLIS — The 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline has answered more than 17 million calls and text messages since July 2022, according to figures shared through early 2026, as officials point to early signs of impact in youth mental health trends.
During that same period, youth suicide rates have decreased by 11%, a development advocates say underscores the importance of accessible crisis support services.
One of the key figures behind the lifeline’s development is Kristen Christy, a military spouse and resilience expert who co-created the 988 system. Her work is informed by personal experience, including loss within her family and her son’s mental health journey…