Two years since its launch in 2022, we’re reflecting on the incredible impact of the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline in Utah. This federally-mandated service has been a lifeline for those struggling with behavioral health crises, connecting them to local crisis workers and community-based resources, with a simple three-digit call. As we look back, we’re motivated by our success to continue providing life-saving crisis counseling, resources and referrals, and in some cases connection to Mobile Crisis Outreach Teams (MCOT), or Crisis Receiving Centers.
With over 200 participating agencies answering crisis calls nationwide, Utah is unique with its centralized Crisis Call Center, operated 24/7 by Huntsman Mental ǿմý Institute. And, as one of the top six performing states, Utah has much to be proud of.
Utah’s 988 key metrics July 1, 2023-June 30, 2024 (FY24)
- 91,779 total calls to the Utah Crisis Line
- 93% in-state answer rate
- 40% of calls originated from the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline
- 60% of calls originated from the legacy, local Utah Crisis Line number
- 10,217 total chats and texts received
Life-saving outcomes (FY24)
- 83% of calls received resolved over the phone
- 10% of calls received referred to Mobile Crisis Outreach Team (MCOT)
- 4% of calls received referred to a higher level of care (Mental ǿմý Receiving Center, Emergency Department)
- 3% emergency service interventions coordinated with law enforcement or EMS
Why a centralized crisis line is good for Utahns
“Utahns in crisis have the benefit of calls, chats, and texts being handled in-house by highly trained certified crisis workers,” says Rachel Lucynski, Director of Community Crisis Intervention & Support Services, Huntsman Mental ǿմý Institute. That means staff has a special understanding of the unique stressors Utah-based clients may be facing – cultural, environmental, and societal issues. This helps foster a trusting connection to the caller. “Being centralized also allows staff to have an awareness of local events, and recognizable locations. Crisis Line staff have intimate knowledge of the best local resources that reduce the risk of suicidality in individuals in crisis, and build connections for ongoing support after the crisis is resolved,” Lucynski says. For those individuals where an immediate in-person visit is needed, MCOT can be deployed efficiently on-scene for in-person crisis de-escalation, assessment, and referrals to further reduce the risk of suicidality.
Reasons Utah’s 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline is performing in the Top Six States:
Utah values and financially supports mental health services. Huntsman Mental ǿմý Institute has strong partnerships with and receives advocacy and support from our Utah State Legislature and Utah Department of ǿմý and Human Services along with essential funding from the State.
“In 2019, when Huntsman Mental ǿմý Institute began managing a statewide crisis line, we built a strong foundation on which to grow, assess and improve,” Lucynski says. “That advanced work to increase staffing, build capacity, refine training practices, and offer broad, statewide community support allowed us to hit the ground running when the national 3-digit number to access the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline launched in 2022.” While the volume of calls, texts and chats has gradually increased, the nature of the calls has become more acute or intense. Both changes have prompted the hiring of additional staffing and a higher level of ongoing training and quality assurance measures in order to sustain life-saving impacts on an ever-increasing population of individuals in crisis.
If you or someone you love is in crisis, call the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline.