South Carolina reveals stats as 3-year anniversary of 988 helpline approaches

COLUMBIA, S.C. (WSPA) – July marks three years since the National Suicide and Crisis Lifeline switched to the easier to remember number: 988.

The 988-call line provides free, 24/7 support for people experiencing mental health, substance use, or suicidal crises.

When 988 launched, South Carolina had just one center to monitor calls. Today, there are two as response rates have hit an all-time high.

“It’s a type of resource that is also working on trying to help people get connected to care so that maybe they can have some long-term help,” said Jessica Barnes, the South Carolina Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities Office of Mental Health Suicide Prevention Program coordinator.

In July of 2022, there was only one 988 call center in the state. That month, staff answered over 2,600 calls with an answer rate of 75%. Barnes said just last month, the state answered a record 4,409 calls with a response rate above 90%.

“If you are in that crisis, there are trained people who want to help and they’re trained crisis responders over the phone that are there to be a listening ear and offer some guidance,” Barnes said.

Barnes said it’s crucial that South Carolinians who call have South Carolinians answer.

“We know more of those details about the specific resources in South Carolina. We can really help guide somebody to taking another step to working on themselves for what they want,” she said.

“It’s important that you can get people to help right where they need it and I think that’s the key thing people, when the call centers know where help is available,” said Bill Lindsey from NAMI S.C.

Stephen Tuttle from Thriveworks said this is very important.

“Having more, trained professionals willing to be a part of the call service. Who are able and willing to help the people, reaching out in these situations,” Tuttle said.

But Barnes said there is still things they can do to increase the response rate in the coming years.

“You can chat or text 9-8-8, and we really like to work on expanding our outreach for those efforts as well and hiring workforce specific to those two modes of contact,” Barnes said.

Barnes added 988 is for anyone who needs help, whether you’re an adult or a child. When you call in you can be completely anonymous and confidential.

If you or a loved one need help go to this site for more information.