Public Awareness and Perceptions of the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline Among California Adults

Community Ment Health J. 2026 Apr 28. doi: 10.1007/s10597-026-01615-8. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Suicide is a major public health issue that disproportionately affects certain populations. The 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline (988) was established in July 2022 as an accessible, easy-to-remember resource for individuals in crisis. Maximizing its impact relies on public knowledge and willingness to use the service. Using data from a cross-sectional survey of California adults (n = 3531), fielded online in November 2024, this study assessed awareness and likelihood of using 988, and barriers and facilitators to use, overall and among groups known to be at increased risk for suicide. One in 4 California adults (26.5%; 95% CI: 24.4-28.9) had heard of 988. After reading a brief description of the service, 71.0% (95% CI: 69.1-73.8) said they would be somewhat or very likely to contact 988 if they or someone they knew were experiencing a crisis. Awareness was higher among younger adults, but likelihood of use was lower than older adults. Black adults were more often aware of and likely to use 988 than other racial/ethnic groups. Similar percentages of gun owners and non-owners were likely to use 988. Respondents identified the following factors as most important to their decision to contact 988: immediate access to a crisis counselor, no-cost services, dispatch of mental health professionals in cases of imminent risk, and assurance that the person in crisis would not be taken to jail. Findings provide insight into 988’s implementation and reach in California, which can inform strategies for enhancing effectiveness and equitable access and service use in times of crisis.

PMID:42047931 | DOI:10.1007/s10597-026-01615-8