Federal health officials report continued growth in use of the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, indicating increased public awareness and expanded access to crisis services since the nationwide three-digit number launched in July 2022.
The lifeline provides FREE, confidential, 24/7 support for people experiencing suicidal crisis, mental health distress, or substance use concerns.
According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline has handled more than 25 million calls, texts, chats, and videophone contacts since its nationwide launch in July 2022. The network includes hundreds of local crisis contact centers across the United States that connect people experiencing suicidal thoughts, mental health crises, emotional distress, or substance use concerns with trained crisis counselors.
In May 2026, SAMHSA awarded $255 million to Vibrant Emotional Health to administer the lifeline, which consists of more than 200 local crisis contact centers.
“Every time someone reaches out to 988, whether it’s a mental health crisis or seeking help for a substance use disorder, a direct connection to immediate support and resources is there to help them through their most difficult moments,” stated SAMHSA Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary Christopher D. Carroll.
Officials encourage anyone facing mental health challenges to call or text 988 for 24/7 confidential support.
Dallas-Area Specific Options:
Parkland Health: As one of North Texas’ largest public health systems, Parkland provides emergency psychiatric care and outpatient behavioral health services. Individuals who contact 988 may be referred to appropriate local behavioral health providers, including Parkland when clinically appropriate, based on their needs and location.
Metrocare Services: The Local Mental Health Authority (LMHA) for Dallas County, Metrocare Services provides crisis intervention, outpatient behavioral health care, psychiatric services, and follow-up support. Metrocare coordinates with the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline to help connect individuals in crisis with appropriate local mental health services.
North Texas Behavioral Health Authority (NTBHA): NTBHA oversees publicly funded behavioral health services across several North Texas counties and coordinates crisis response, mobile crisis outreach, and behavioral health services that work alongside the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.
Statewide Texas Resources: Call or text 988 to be connected with a trained crisis counselor. Calls are generally routed to the nearest available local or regional crisis center based on the caller’s area code or location. The state maintains a dedicated portal for local crisis services: Texas988.org. This site connects callers to regional centers for immediate, localized support.
- For veterans: Press 1 after dialing 988 for VA-specific support.
- Deaf/Hard of Hearing: ASL videophone option at 988lifeline.org.
Texas has expanded mobile crisis outreach teams and community-based services through funding aligned with the national lifeline. Local integration ensures callers receive geographically relevant help, from immediate de-escalation to follow-up referrals for ongoing care at facilities like Parkland.
For more Texas-specific details, visit the official state page: 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline Information for Providers – Texas HHS.
Federal agencies continue to identify suicide prevention as a national public health priority, emphasizing early intervention, expanded access to crisis services, and stronger connections to community-based behavioral health care. SAMHSA has continued investing in the 988 Lifeline, mobile crisis response, and crisis stabilization services to improve access to care across the country, including Texas.
Suicide Statistics
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), suicide remains one of the leading causes of death in the United States. Provisional national mortality data indicate approximately 49,300 suicide deaths occurred in 2024, corresponding to an age-adjusted suicide rate of 13.7 deaths per 100,000 people.
According to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, 6,407 veterans died by suicide in 2022, the most recent year with complete national data, averaging 17.6 veteran suicides per day. The VA reports that the veteran suicide rate remains substantially higher than that of non-veteran U.S. adults after adjusting for age and sex.
- Adults ages 25–44 account for a large share of suicide deaths nationwide.
- Men age 75 and older have the highest suicide rate of any demographic group.
- Suicide remains the second leading cause of death among people ages 10–34.
Texas recorded 4,490 suicide deaths in 2024, one of the highest totals among U.S. states, reflecting its large population. The state’s age-adjusted suicide rate was 14.2 deaths per 100,000 residents, compared with the national rate of 13.7 per 100,000. Suicide deaths in Texas disproportionately affect males, particularly White non-Hispanic males, and state surveillance reports continue to identify higher suicide rates across many rural counties than urban areas.
Early intervention and reduced stigma are key focuses of national and state prevention efforts.
Provided by Dallas Express
