Hello ,

Four years ago, a simple three-digit number launched with a massive vision: to ensure that anyone, anywhere in the U.S. experiencing a mental health crisis could get immediate, compassionate support.

To mark the 4th anniversary of the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, NAMI recently partnered with Ipsos (one of the largest market research and polling companies globally) to see how far we've come. The short answer? Incredible progress, but our work is far from finished.

Below, we break down the latest findings, debunk common myths preventing people from calling, and share how you can take action to keep saving lives.

We’ve officially moved 988 out of the shadows and into the mainstream. The jump in public awareness over the last five years is nothing short of historic.

• Massive Awareness Boost: Nearly 3 in 4 Americans (74%) have now heard of 988, a staggering leap from just 18% before its launch.

• Active Lifeline: About 1 in 10 Americans have contacted 988 for themselves or a loved one.

• High-Utilizing Groups: Young adults (ages 18–29) contact 988 at nine times the rate of seniors, and LGBTQ+ individuals utilize it at double the rate of their non-LGBTQ+ peers.

• It Works: An overwhelming 3 in 4 people who reached out to 988 report getting the help they needed, up 20% since 2023.

Despite the high trust in 988, hesitancy still exists. Many people worry about what happens behind the scenes. Let's clear up the 3 biggest misconceptions:

Myth 1: "It will cost me money."

Fact: 54% of Americans worry about being charged. 988 is 100% free to call, text, or chat.

Myth 2: "The police will automatically show up."

Fact: 52% worry about law enforcement involvement. In reality, the vast majority of 988 contacts are resolved entirely over the phone or text without any dispatch needed. Law enforcement is only involved in rare, imminent life-safety emergencies.

Myth 3: "My information won't be private."

Fact: 49% worry about privacy. 988 interactions are confidential, secure, and designed to protect your privacy.

While 988 has been a massive triumph, our work is far from finished as the NAMI/Ipsos poll highlighted four critical systemic gaps. Below, we outline concrete action steps on how you can help NAMI CCNS address them right here in our community.

1. Connecting to Continued Care

Fewer than half of those who contacted 988 found it easy to get connected with follow-up care (48%) or with someone of a similar background (38%).

Share the Numbers: Save 988 in your phone and share NAMI resources. The more people who know where to turn for post-crisis support, the stronger our local safety net becomes.

2. The Cost of Daily Care

Nearly 1 in 4 Americans who sought mental health care in the last year skipped/delayed treatment due to cost, paid more out-of-pocket than expected, or couldn't find a provider who accepted their insurance.

Access Free Local Care Today: You do not need insurance, a doctor's referral, or deep pockets to get support. Bypass the financial barrier by utilizing NAMI CCNS’s 100% free community programs and support groups.

3. A Growing Need

30% of adults reported experiencing a mental health crisis this year, up from 22% last year.

Get Ahead of the Crisis: Prevention is our best defense. Share and enroll in NAMI CCNS’s free, evidence-based programs like Family-to-Family or attend our weekly drop-in support groups offered both in-person and via Zoom. Early education helps families build coping strategies before a mental health struggle becomes an emergency.

4. Gap in Funding

Nearly 9 in 10 Americans support funding for crisis response, but state-level implementation and funding challenges remain.

Contact Your Lawmakers: Write to your local Illinois legislators. Urge them to prioritize sustainable, long-term funding for Illinois call centers and local mobile crisis teams.

Our crisis lines are working, but our broader healthcare system must step up to support people after the immediate crisis ends.

NAMI Ask the Expert Webinar: Four Years of 988

When: Thursday, July 30, 2026; 3:00–4:30 PM CT

How do we build on this momentum? Join us for a virtual discussion with psychiatrist and national crisis care leader Dr. Margie Balfour. You'll get a clear, insider's look at how communities are expanding mobile crisis teams and stabilization programs to keep people out of emergency rooms and jails, connect them to the right level of care, and reduce unnecessary law enforcement involvement.

This brief, impact-focused session will break down the latest research on 988, explore how shifting federal and state funding policies affect you, and share concrete ways family members and advocates can help shape a more compassionate local response system.

Do you have go-to positive affirmation to get you through tough times? Share it with us for a chance to be featured in the Mental Health Wire!

As we celebrate four years of this historic resource, we are reminded that a crisis lifeline is only as strong as the community standing behind it. When someone in Cook County contacts 988, they deserve to be met with compassionate local support and accessible follow-up care.

That is where NAMI CCNS steps in. Your generosity allows us to keep providing free support groups, classes, and advocacy to ensure no one in our community has to navigate their mental health journey alone.

Please consider making a donation to NAMI CCNS today. Your gift stays local, helping us bridge the gap between crisis and long-term recovery for families right here in our neighborhoods.

Thank you so much for your continued support, your compassion, and your dedication to mental health in our community. We couldn't do this work without you!

Copyright © 2026 NAMI CCNS, All rights reserved.

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NAMI CCNS
8324 Skokie Blvd
Skokie, Illinois 60077
United States

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