For two decades, U.S. suicide rates climbed steadily, reaching a peak of 49,476 deaths in 2022, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Since then, deaths have declined slightly, falling to 48,824 in 2024. While quite a few factors likely contributed to the decrease, expanded access to mental health support through the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline is playing an important role.
Four years of progress
July marked four years since the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline was rebranded as 988, an easy-to-remember number that connects people experiencing mental health, substance use, or suicidal crises with trained counselors.
Since launching in 2022, 988 has handled more than 26 million calls, texts, and chats, according to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), which oversees the service. Demand continues to grow, with contact volume increasing nearly 12% between the first quarters of 2025 and 2026. Growth like this means awareness is spreading, and people are taking that first step to find the help they need.
“We’re seeing encouraging signs, but the mental health crisis is far from over,” said Frank Caporusso, chief operating officer at Blue Shield of California. “Suicide remains one of the leading causes of death in the United States. Today, more people have a fast, free, and confidential way to connect with trained counselors when they need support most.”
Changing outcomes for young people
Research suggests 988 is improving suicide-related outcomes, especially among adolescents and young adults. One recent study found that from July 2022 through December 2024, suicide deaths among people ages 15 to 34 were 11% lower than projected based on pre-988 trends, representing an estimated 4,372 lives saved.
According to the CDC, preventing adverse childhood experiences (ACEs), such as abuse, neglect, and violence, could reduce adult depression by 78% and heart disease by 22%. The same research has linked childhood trauma exposure to higher rates of heavy drinking and obesity later in life.
Blue Shield’s support for youth mental health
A focus on early intervention is central to Blue Shield of California’s BlueSky youth mental health initiative. The need is significant: a recent BlueSky survey found that 94% of Gen Z youth report experiencing regular mental health challenges.
BlueSky supports youth through school-based and virtual mental health services, educator training, and youth-led advocacy, especially in underserved communities. Since 2019, the initiative has reached 33,000 youth and educators, including more than 9,700 educators and caring adults trained in Youth Mental Health First Aid.
“Kids don’t always have the words for what they’re going through, but caring adults trained to recognize the signs of trauma can step in early,” said Dr. Nicole Stelter, director of behavioral health at Blue Shield of California. “When parents, teachers, coaches, and mentors know how to respond, they can help connect young people to support before challenges escalate into crises.”
Blue Shield is also helping expand trauma-informed care for youth through the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association’s (BCBSA) support of the Boys & Girls Clubs of America. Together, Blue Cross Blue Shield plans nationwide are investing more than $10 million over four years to expand trauma-informed practices at more than 5,000 clubs and train tens of thousands of staff who work with children every day.
988 is available 24/7
If you or someone you know is struggling, call or text 988 or chat at 988lifeline.org anytime. The service is free, confidential, and available in English, Spanish, and more than 240 languages through translation support.
Resources
- Blue Shield members: Find a mental health provider through Find a Doctor, explore self-guided tools in the Mental Health Resource Hub, or access support through Wellvolution, our online lifestyle-medicine platform available at no cost to most members.
- Youth mental health resources: Visit BlueSky or Blue Shield of California powered by CredibleMind.
- Crisis support: Call, text, or chat the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline for free, confidential support, available 24/7 in multiple languages.
- Educators and caring adults: Learn more about Youth Mental Health First Aid. Since 2021, this free Blue Shield-supported online training has helped more than 9,700 educators and adults recognize signs of distress and connect young people to support.