Demand for State's New 988 Crisis Line

Thursday, August 18th, 2022 -- 1:01 PM

(Bob Hague, WRN) There has been plenty of demand for Wisconsin’s new 988 crisis line.

The Journal Sentinel reports Wisconsin's new crisis line received over 4400 calls in its first month of operation. That's hundreds more than the monthly dial ins to a previous hotline.

Caroline Crehan Newman, crisis services coordinator with the Wisconsin Department of Health Services, said that demonstrates the growing need for such emergency counseling.

Prior to 988 launching, Wisconsin Lifeline shared a 10-digit number with the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, and mental health coordinators are already seeing what a difference seven fewer digits can make.

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