988

Even though most callers ask for specific, tangible items, the Crisis Center of Tampa Bay team allows them to speak freely and encourages an open conversation about their feelings.

There are training programs available for those who to learn more about how to help friends and families who may be in a serious mental crisis.

The national help line turns 2 on Tuesday. Since its debut, it has helped millions of people. And while the system has gotten better at connecting people to help more quickly, but it still has a long way to go.

A counselor survey about work experiences paints a picture of uneven training, uncertainty about how long to stay on the line, and policies on whether to inform a caller when police are on the way.

Residents can make video calls with trained counselors who use American Sign Language by clicking on the "ASL Now" button on the website or by dialing 1-800-273-TALK.

For rural Americans, who live in areas often short of mental health services and die by suicide at a far higher rate than urbanites, the federally mandated crisis phone line is one of the few options to connect with a crisis counselor.

"I know it's complicated, I really do. But we have to be able to do something," says a Pasco County mom whose 21-year-old son shot himself a year ago.

“No one ever forgets 911. No one ever forgets 411. And now, no one will ever forget 988,” says one mental heath expert.

In the year since the 10-digit lifeline changed to 988, one South Florida nonprofit has seen a 50% increase in calls. Lack of affordable housing and the pandemic are among the drivers.

It's clear the suicide hotline, a network of more than 200 state and local call centers, faces challenges, including public mistrust and confusion. It’s also clear it needs federal and state funding to be sustainable.