As the 988 Colorado mental health hotline celebrates its one-year anniversary, data released shows its profound impact the service is already having statewide.

Since the campaign launched in July 2024, 988 Colorado has seen 93,834 calls, 89% of which were identified as crisis-related; 16,383 texts, 87% of which were identified as crisis-related; and 9,225 live chats, 90% of which were identified as crisis-related, the data released by 988 Colorado shows.

The top five reasons for contacting 988, according to the data, were anxiety, social concerns, self-harm or suicidal thoughts, depression, and substance use. The majority of those contacts came from individuals between the ages of 26 to 39, and men were identified as the most frequent callers.

“For 988 Colorado, we are really focused on (all) mental health support,” Director of the 988 Colorado Mental Health Line Gordon Coombes said at a virtual media briefing July 23. “988 is a trusted lifeline for all people of Colorado.”

988 is a free and confidential 24/7 hotline that was originally established nationally as a “Suicide & Crisis Lifeline” in 2022 with the aim of expanding access to mental health services. In July 2024, a statewide campaign was launched in Colorado to promote the 988 Colorado Mental Health Line, which became the state’s primary mental health crisis line consolidating all services under 988 starting July 1.

This means the Colorado Crisis Services line that was established in response to the Aurora Theater shooting in 2013 is now combined with the 988 Colorado line.

Those who call 988 will be immediately connected with a trained specialist who will “listen without judgement” to anyone who needs to talk, from those experiencing emotional distress, substance abuse, or suicidal thoughts and suicidality. 

A majority of 75% of contacts said they would recommend 988 Colorado, felt staff were culturally sensitive, able to meet their needs, compassionate, and treated them with dignity.

“There has been value to that help seeker … that has been reaching out,” said Chloe Rekow, marketing and outreach specialist for the Colorado Behavioral Health Administration. “We were able to launch a strong campaign from the beginning … and we did see an 80% increase in awareness of 988 over the last six months.”

This story is from AspenTimes.com.