New NAMI/Ipsos polling shows growing awareness, trust and use of the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. NAMI Southeastern Arizona encourages everyone to know, save and share 988.
On July 16, 2026, our nation marked the fourth anniversary of the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. Since its nationwide launch in 2022, 988 has made it easier for people experiencing emotional distress or a mental health, suicide or substance-use crisis to connect with trained crisis counselors. (NAMI)
New polling from the National Alliance on Mental Illness and Ipsos offers encouraging evidence that awareness and trust in 988 are growing. It also reminds us that continued education and outreach are essential.
New findings show growing awareness and trust
The 2026 NAMI/Ipsos poll found that:
- 74% of U.S. adults have heard of 988.
- 71% say they would be likely to contact 988 for themselves or someone they know during a mental health crisis.
- Nearly 1 in 10 Americans report having contacted 988 for themselves or someone else.
- Among those who contacted 988, 75% said they received some or all of the help they needed.
- 31% of people who knew about 988 said they learned about it through social media, demonstrating how important it is to keep sharing this resource. (NAMI)
The poll also found that most people who contacted 988 reported that it was easy to connect with a person by phone, text or chat. Many said they reached someone without a long wait and received help addressing their immediate needs. (NAMI)
These findings are good news. People are learning about 988, reaching out and receiving support. But awareness alone is not enough. We must continue helping people understand when and how to use the Lifeline—and reassure them that asking for help is a sign of strength.
What is the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline?
The 988 Lifeline provides free, confidential support 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year throughout the United States and its territories.
You can:
- Call 988
- Text 988
- Chat online through the 988 Lifeline website
You do not have to be considering suicide to contact 988. Trained counselors are available for people experiencing emotional distress, mental health challenges, substance-use concerns, loneliness, relationship difficulties or other situations in which they need someone to talk to. You may also contact 988 when you are concerned about a friend, family member or another person. (988 Lifeline)
A crisis counselor will ask about your safety, listen without judgment, provide support and help identify resources that may be useful. (988 Lifeline)
Spanish-language services are available by calling 988 and pressing 2 or by texting AYUDA to 988. Veterans, service members and their loved ones can call 988 and press 1 to reach the Veterans Crisis Line. (988 Lifeline)
When someone is in immediate physical danger or needs urgent medical attention, call 911.
Why sharing 988 matters in Southeastern Arizona
In rural communities, people may face long travel distances, limited access to providers, concerns about cost or uncertainty about where to begin. Having one easy-to-remember number can help someone take the first step toward support.
You can help by:
- Saving 988 in your phone.
- Talking with family members about when to use it.
- Sharing 988 information on social media.
- Posting the number in schools, workplaces, churches and community gathering places.
- Reminding others that they can contact 988 for themselves or someone they care about.
Every conversation helps reduce stigma. Every shared post may reach someone who does not yet know that support is available.
NAMI Southeastern Arizona is here, too
NAMI Southeastern Arizona provides advocacy, education, support and public awareness for individuals and families affected by mental illness throughout our region. Our programs and services are offered to the community at no cost. (namiseaz.org)
For information about local classes, support programs and resources, visit namiseaz.org, email info@namiseaz.org or call 520-459-3228. Please remember that the NAMI SEAZ office is not a crisis-response service. During a mental health or suicide crisis, call or text 988.
People are reaching out to 988 more than ever before. Together, we can continue building awareness, strengthening crisis care and making sure no one in Southeastern Arizona faces a mental health crisis alone.
Learn more about the 2026 NAMI/Ipsos poll: (NAMI)
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