NC's new 988 mental health hotline sees 22% year-to-year increase compared to old 1-800 number
In August, the state's new 988 hotline received an average of 160 calls a day with nearly 2,000 first-time callers.
Posted — UpdatedNorth Carolina is seeing a 22% increase year-to-year increase in calls to its mental health hotline, according to data released by the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services.
On July 16, North Carolina launched its 988 mental health hotline. The 988 number replaced a longer 1-800 number tied to the Suicide Prevention Lifeline.
Renee Rader, an assistant director for policy and programs for the Division of Mental Health, Developmental Disabilities and Substance Abuse Services, said the state increased staffing to account for the new number launch.
“When 988 went live that first month, there was a 142% increase in daily volume, which was incredible,” Rader said.
Overall calls to the Suicide Hotline show how much the 988 hotline is needed:
- 2019 - 33,379 callers (2,781.58 calls per month)
- 2020 - 37,233 callers (3,102.75 calls per month)
- 2021 - 36,299 callers (3,024.92 calls per month)
- 2022 (through Aug. 31) — 29,573 (3,697.38 calls per month)
The number of suicides in North Carolina has also increased year by year since 2019:
- 2019 - 1,358
- 2020 - 1,436
- 2021 (preliminary numbers) — 1,450 (120/month average) (up 7% from 2019)
- 2022 (through September) — 1,054 (compared to 1,088 last year)
“Obviously, the biggest thing is the pandemic that just happened,” NC State student Emma Scardina said. “That definitely isolated a lot of students and broke down the community that they had.”
According to state leaders, people between 20 and 24 are the most likely to take their own lives.
In August, the new 988 hotline received an average of 160 calls a day with nearly 2,000 first-time callers. Counselors contacted police 10 times. In 33 situations, dispatchers sent a mobile crisis unit.
“It’s raising more alarms for us,” Rader said. “We are putting more efforts into suicide prevention.”
Radar said suicide is the second-leading cause of death for people 10-18.
“Certainly, we are seeing an increase of people presenting in emergency departments with self-inflicted injuries,” Rader said.
NC State students told WRAL Investigates that social media is driving the decline in mental health.
“Everywhere on the internet is talking about how you should be better, or you should succeed more, or this kid is doing this, and this kid is doing that,” said NC State student Jaden Jenkins. “And, you’re here and it’s like all that pressure makes it seem like we are not where we are supposed to be.”
The state wants to increase suicide treatment and education. Part of that education is encouraging safe storage of weapons and medication.
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