For nearly 20 years, the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline was accessible by dialing a 1-800 number. In 2020, it was mandated by Congress and the Federal Communications Commission to change to a new number. Beginning Saturday, July 16, it switches to the more simplified code  9-8-8. In Iowa, those who help with call centers say it elevates awareness for this service.

Director of Crisis Services, Foundation 2, Drew Martel, shares what the line is for, “People they don’t have to be having thoughts of suicide to use the number, people call every day for things like depression, or anxiety, or loneliness or maybe just mental health concerns they have for themselves or a loved one.”

Suicide is the 2nd leading cause of death for children through middle adulthood in the United States. Each year more people die by suicide than vehicular accidents.