Calls and texts have been pouring in to the nation’s suicide prevention hotline since the government last summer simplified the number to 988.
But while calls and texts have been coming in at record rates from those seeking help with drug addiction or suicidal thoughts, the cost for maintaining the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is also piling up.
Another six are considering similar fees: Minnesota, New Jersey, Oregon, Rhode Island, Texas and Vermont. While the Biden administration’s investments have covered most of the launch and initial surge in calls, the law makes state and local governments responsible for the future expansion of more than 200 call centers nationwide that route contacts to mental health counselors.
According to the nonprofit National Alliance on Mental Illness, at least 20 other states have passed or are debating other 988-related legislation that does not involve a phone tax. “Frankly, I think cruelty is part of the appeal when you don’t want to pay for something that benefits people who aren’t like you,” Mr. Carville said. “The idea is that you don’t need a suicide hotline or [psychiatric] drugs and counseling if you get depressed — you can just suck it up and soldier on.”
“States are taking a range of approaches, including assignment of coalitions and commissions, leveraging state Medicaid funding, and passing legislation that allocates specific funding to 988 response,” Ms. Bennett said. Ms. Bennett said the federal grant monies do not cover mobile crisis response, community behavioral health clinics or dedicated crisis care-related funds — all areas where states must find ways to pick up the tab.
State and local call centers received 3.6 million calls, chats, and texts on the hotline in 2021, the FCC reported last year. The FCC expects that number to double in the first full year of the new 988 number.
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