Author’s note—this story discusses suicide. If you or anybody you know needs help, please call, text or message 988 online to get immediate help from the National Suicide & Crisis Lifeline
(WFRV) – A recently released study surrounding the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline showed that the suicide death rates among 15-34 year olds have been lower than expected in certain states, including Wisconsin.
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According to the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA), the 988 Lifeline was launched in 2022, and low-uptake states like Wisconsin have since seen lower suicide rates than initially expected based on trends.
The low-uptake states listed in the graph (left) are based on the 10 U.S. states with the smallest relative increases in answered 988 calls.
The following states were in that list (as seen in the study):
- Tennessee
- Alabama
- Texas
- South Carolina
- New Mexico
- Mississippi
- Illinois
- Delaware
- Wisconsin
- Maine
Officials clarified that the reductions were more significant in states that had the highest uptake; however, the low-uptake states as a whole saw a roughly 10.6% decrease in expected suicide mortality rates among 15-34 year olds since the 988 Lifeline was introduced.
“This analysis found that launch of the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline was associated with significant reductions in suicide mortality among adolescents and young adults nationally,” the study analysis said.
The study also clarified that it was limited by certain factors, specifically the mental health services, public awareness or other uncontrollable factors.
‘Red Signal Program’ offers discreet help for abuse victims in Northeast Wisconsin
Click here for the full study.
A few local resources for those who are struggling or know somebody who is struggling are linked below:
