It’s not a subject most people want to dwell on, but Ohioans are fortunate some did a great deal of thinking about how best to help those who are struggling and in crisis — perhaps even having thoughts of suicide. When the 988 Lifeline was established, it was meant to give those experiencing a mental health or addiction crisis somewhere to turn — somewhere to get much-needed support.

Since its establishment in July 2022, it has received 592,294 contacts, according to a report by the Ohio Capital Journal. People can reach out through calls, chats or texts, according to the Ohio Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services, which administers 988.

With those contacts, people can be quickly supported and guided toward the resources they need.

Though it is not yet clear whether there is a connection, the number of Buckeye State residents who died by suicide decreased by 1% in 2023 from the previous year. It is certainly possible that having immediate access to help and behavioral health care could have been a contributing factor.

It is important now to build on the momentum the project has already experienced.

“As more Ohioans become familiar with the service, our hope is that reaching out to 988 for a behavioral health crisis will become as natural as calling 911 for other types of emergencies,” said Ohio Mental Health and Addiction Services Director LeeAnne Cornyn, according to the Capital Journal.

We can help make that happen by spreading the word, encouraging those who might not be “OK” to seek out the support they need. Calling 988 truly can be a lifeline.