On July 16, 2022, a new three-digit version of the National Suicide Hotline went live. Although this is a nationwide resource, each state is required to provide funding and track data. Boreal Community Media reached out to the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) - the entity responsible for tracking the data for our state - to learn more about how Minnesotans are using the new three-digit number, the chat, and text option. 

Editor’s note:  Boreal Community Media partnered with Cook County Public Health and Human Services for Suicide Prevention Month to share Cook County's local mental health services, resources, and information. 

In August, as part of this partnership, Boreal Community Media published an article highlighting the new 988 crisis helpline, including what it is, how it works in Minnesota, and an FAQ section.

You can find that article here.

Erin McHenry, Public Information Office at the MDH, provided data as of August 15, 2022, which follows: 

Call Volume July 1 – July 31, 2022: 3,759

• 44% increase in call volume compared to June 1 – 30, 2022

• In-state Answer Rate: 83% - percent of calls answered by an MN Lifeline Center

• Out-of-state answer: 2% - percent of calls answered by a National Backup Center

• Abandoned calls: 15% - percent of calls were abandoned before a crisis counselor could pick up the call. This may include people who changed their minds, dialed the wrong number, or waited too long to connect.

Chat July 2022: 710

• 18% decrease in volume compared to June

• Minnesota was currently not answering texts as of 7/31/2022

Text July 2022: 466

• 250% increase in text volume compared to June

• Minnesota was currently not answering texts as of 7/31/2022
  
  

On September 19, 2022, MDH released updated statistics and data, which are as follows:

Call volume (see date span below for each category): 

• 44% increase to Minnesota’s four call centers since the July 16, 2022 launch

• In-state Answer rate: 89% from August 1 - 31, 2022

• Average wait time: 42 seconds from August 1 - 31 (If you call 988 and are waiting for several seconds, stay on the phone. Someone will pick up.)

Chat:

• Minnesota has also seen a 173% increase in web chats (since January 2022)

Text: 

• 250% increase in texts to 988 since launch
  
  

To compare, Minnesota received 33,887 calls, 4,099 chats, and 1,306 texts in 2021. 

Update on funding

The Minnesota Legislature initially approved $1.3 million and received additional federal dollars to go towards the 988 transition, but lawmakers this past session did not sign off $8.6 million in supplemental funding for this fiscal year to expand capacity. 

There is some hope that the MN Legislature next year will approve a 12-cent fee tacked onto consumers' phone bills, which will provide a permanent funding source; other states have taken similar steps. (source)

Need for services 

There continues to be a great need for 988 support services as suicide, or death by intentional self-harm, has been steadily rising in Minnesota for the past 20 years.

 According to preliminary data, there were 777 suicides in 2021, mirroring trends across the United States. This is the seventh straight year in which more than 700 Minnesotans died by suicide. In addition, health care providers treat more than 10,000 self-harm or suicidal injuries each year in Minnesota.

“We know the last few years have been incredibly challenging mentally, emotionally, and physically for many Minnesotans,” said Minnesota Commissioner of Health Jan Malcom. “Please take advantage of this awareness month to check in with the people in your life, and consider reminding them that the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline is available for anyone in need of crisis or mental health support.”

Tips on how to prevent suicide

• Share resources on 988 and other crisis services.

• Bring suicide prevention training to your school, faith community, workplace, or other community.

• Share suicide prevention messages and resources through social media. The Suicide Prevention Awareness Month messaging toolkit can help you get started.

• Promote other programs within the community that encourage positive healthy activities and places for connection. You can find Cook County and Grand Portage resources here. 

Did you know? 988 Edition

Veterans can press "1" after dialing 988 to connect directly to the Veterans Crisis Lifeline which serves our nation’s Veterans, service members, National Guard and Reserve members, and those who support them. For texts, Veterans should continue to text the Veterans Crisis Lifeline shortcode: 838255.

If you or someone you know is having suicidal thoughts, a substance abuse crisis, or a mental health crisis and need free and confidential support, call the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. You can also text “home” to 741741 to reach the Crisis Text Line.