The New York Times recently reported on research that shows the rate of
suicide among young people across the United States dropped significantly
since the rollout of the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline in 2022. States with
the highest uptake of 988 service – including Connecticut – experienced an
18.2 percent reduction in observed versus expected suicides in this
population.
A Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) analysis found that the launch of the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline was associated with an 11% reduction in suicide mortality among adolescents and young adults nationally (ages 15 to 34 years).
The 10 states with the largest increases in 988 calls experienced an even greater reduction in these suicides – Connecticut is proud to be one of those states.
United Way of Connecticut’s 211 has provided mental health crisis support to residents of our state for 50 years. The launch of the national three-digit 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline dialing code in 2022 offered an additional opportunity to expand access and awareness to that important service. Crisis call volume in Connecticut has increased nearly 350 percent since the 2022 launch of 988. In FY 2025 alone, 988 CT responded to more than 55,000 calls.
“Every life saved represents hope and demonstrates the power of personal connection in a moment of need. Preventing suicide is a core goal of Connecticut’s Health and Human Services State agencies, and we are encouraged to see data showing that 988 is making a meaningful difference for Connecticut residents. We are proud of the work of 988 CT and grateful to our partners who help ensure that people across our state know they are not alone, help is available and recovery is possible,” said Nancy Navarretta, Commissioner of the Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services (DMHAS).
To further enhance 988 CT service, particularly for adolescents and young adults, United Way of Connecticut’s crisis center launched 24/7 local response to 988 chats and texts in November 2025. Prior to this expansion, national backup centers provided much of the Connecticut chat and text response (as is the case for most states). The respected center of health journalism, KFF, has noted that in-state crisis contact specialists are more likely to have a deep understanding of local resources and may be more effective in connecting callers to the supports they need. From January 1 to April 30 of this year, 988 CT responded to 3,353 chats and texts; 21% were from youth under the age of 18.
The use of 988 CT and the expansion of chat and text are making a difference for Connecticut residents. State support for 988 CT means that users can expect a quick response. United Way of Connecticut answers 97% of 988 calls within 5 seconds, outperforming the national goal for speed to answer.
“Since the launch of 988, Connecticut has led the nation in answering calls quickly and providing critical, immediate support,” says Luis B. Pérez, LCSW, President and CEO of Mental Health Connecticut, a statewide nonprofit founded in 1908 that provides mental health services, education and advocacy. “The latest data shows this effort is saving lives. 988 CT is a vital part of the continuum of services that help our neighbors experiencing a mental health crisis.”
“Our team knows that a quick response can save a life,” says Lisa Tepper Bates, President and CEO of United Way of Connecticut. “We are grateful for our robust partnership with the State of Connecticut Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services, which keeps United Way of Connecticut’s 988 crisis service strong. Not only does 988 CT consistently rank in the nation’s top five 988 centers for speed to answer – but most importantly – more than 95% of Connecticut callers tell us their state of crisis diminished during their call.”
“Our Contact Specialists do heroic work every day: they meet each caller where they are, taking the time to understand each person’s needs, de-escalate the crisis and develop a stabilizing path forward,” said Tanya Barrett, Senior Vice President of 211 Health and Human Services at United Way of Connecticut. “Often, this involves helping a caller to build a plan to re-connect to their existing supports, or to connect with new resources that can help.”
While the 988 CT team engages emergency response when it is needed, less than 1% of all 988 CT crisis calls this past year required escalation to 911 for active rescue or medical emergency response.
If you are struggling with your mental health, feeling overwhelmed or just need someone to talk to, you’re not alone and you don’t have to go through it alone. The 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline is here for you: anytime, anywhere. Call, text or chat 988.
United Way of Connecticut works with the 13 local United Ways in our state to mobilize communities to action and advocate for innovative statewide solutions so all can thrive. They power the initiatives you know and trust — 211CT and 988 in CT, Care 4 Kids and ALICE.
Connecticut 211 is a free, confidential information and referral service that connects people with the help they need 24/7/365. Since 1976, 211 CT has supported millions of Connecticut residents with connection to essential services to help them meet their basic needs, from help with utility bills to housing assistance to mental health resources. In FY 2025, United Way of Connecticut’s 211 (211 CT) responded to more than 1.7 million inquiries from residents seeking help.
Our innovative systems empower CT residents over the phone, online or by text – so that everyone can find the tools they need to thrive. Accredited by the Alliance of Information and Referral Systems (AIRS) and the American Association of Suicidology (AAS) for crisis intervention, 211CT is a national leading 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, answering 97% of these calls in less than 5 seconds. Learn more at 211ct.org.
The 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline provides judgment-free, compassionate support for anyone experiencing emotional distress, mental health challenges, problems with substance use, loneliness and thoughts of suicide or self-harm. 988 serves as a critical access point for information and referral to critically needed help, including our state’s mobile mental health crisis teams, community resources including mental health counseling and support groups.