Washington ranks 12th in 988 hotline use
Washington ranks 12th for per capita use of the 988 suicide and crisis hotline, with 29. 4 contacts per 1,000 residents reported in 2024. This usage is above the national average of 23. 7 contacts per 1,000 people, indicating notable state-to-state discrepancies. The hotline has processed over 16.
3 million calls, texts, and chats since its launch in July 2022. Despite this, many Americans remain unaware of the hotline's existence, as highlighted by Ipsos polling. Researchers emphasize that targeted outreach efforts and ongoing promotion are essential for increasing awareness and usage, especially in states with lower contact rates. Alaska leads the nation with a rate of 45. 3 contacts per 1,000 people, while Delaware has the lowest at 12.
5. This analysis sheds light on the importance of mental health resources and the need for enhanced public awareness. Addressing these gaps could significantly improve mental health support across the country.