September is Suicide Prevention Month: 988 Saves Lives
Each September, Suicide Prevention Month reminds us of the importance of awareness, compassion, and action. One of the most powerful tools available in the fight against suicide is the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline—a simple, three-digit number that can connect someone in crisis with immediate help and support.
Why 988 Matters
Despite its life-saving potential, research shows that 3 in 4 Americans don’t know what the 988 hotline is. This lack of awareness is concerning, especially when we look at how effective the hotline has been:
988 receives nearly 600,000 contacts per month.
98% of callers in crisis reported that their situation was de-escalated during the call.
88% of callers said the call prevented them from harming themselves.
These numbers are more than statistics—they represent lives saved, families supported, and communities strengthened.
What 988 Provides
When someone calls or texts 988, they are connected with trained crisis counselors who can:
Listen with compassion and without judgment.
Provide immediate support and coping strategies.
Connect callers to local mental health services and resources.
Local Support is Here
For Iowa residents, additional support is available through Your Life Iowa:
Call: 855-581-8111
Text: 855-895-8398
This local resource works hand-in-hand with national hotlines to ensure that no one has to face a mental health crisis alone.
How You Can Help
Awareness saves lives. Here are a few ways you can make a difference:
Learn the number. Program 988 into your phone.
Share it. Make sure your friends, family, and coworkers know about it.
Talk openly. Breaking the stigma around suicide and mental health is one of the most powerful forms of prevention.
Remember
If you or someone you know is struggling, you are not alone. Help is only three digits away: 988. Together, we can spread the word, increase awareness, and save lives.
