988 Lifeline Sees Rising Call, Text and Chat Volume in Georgia

Year-to-date, the 988 Lifeline in Georgia has managed 217,785 contacts through calls, texts, and chats. This surge in outreach corresponds to a 17% increase compared to the average monthly volume in 2023, reflecting the impact of expanded outreach efforts and marketing campaigns.

Anna Bourque, Director of ASO Coordination, emphasized the importance of ongoing collaboration, stating, “Georgia DBHDD has been working diligently to ensure that every resident in need can easily access critical mental health support through the 988 Lifeline. This continued rise in contact volume reflects both the trust individuals have placed in the service and the effectiveness of our statewide awareness efforts.”

As awareness grows, so does the demand across the crisis continuum of care. Georgia’s DBHDD has been instrumental in raising statewide awareness, achieving a notable increase from 67% to 84.7% in public recognition of the “Suicide & Crisis Lifeline” in Georgia over the past year. This awareness campaign, launched in November 2023, has effectively reached diverse communities, resulting in record contact volumes and reflecting the public’s growing trust in 988 as a vital mental health resource. The surge in September serves as both a testament to DBHDD’s impactful efforts and a reminder of the need for ongoing support to meet the mental health needs of all Georgians.

As part of the 988 rollout in Georgia, the Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities (DBHDD) reinforces its commitment to partnering with community organizations to foster community-led input, listening sessions, and market research.

Cobb Collaborative, a Cobb County nonprofit dedicated to enhancing outcomes for children, families, and communities through advocacy, partnerships, and critical support programs, has recently delivered a new addition to the growing list of community input reports available at 988ga.org/resources#reports

Working alongside the Georgia 988 Communications Workgroup’s Language Accessibility Committee, Cobb Collaborative has spearheaded a market research campaign to evaluate 988’s effectiveness and resonance with Cobb County’s diverse communities.

Through a series of focus groups, an online survey, a social media campaign, and a town hall, they gathered valuable insights into how 988’s messaging is perceived and where it can be improved.

Key findings highlight the need for enhanced visibility of 988 in public spaces and culturally relevant, clear messaging that speaks directly to diverse audiences, including youth and Spanish-speaking residents.

Informed by this market research, Cobb Collaborative’s recommendations emphasize the importance of relatable visuals, impactful storytelling, and community-centered platforms like TikTok and Instagram. By refining its approach and deepening outreach with DBHDD’s support, Cobb Collaborative is working to ensure that 988’s life-saving message reaches those in need across the community.

The launch of these resources reflects Georgia DBHDD’s commitment to supporting all Georgians through crisis and recovery, with 988 as a critical pathway to hope and resilience.

The Georgia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities (DBHDD) is enhancing transparency with the latest updates to the 988 system’s data dashboards. The volume tab of 988ga.org/data now includes data from text and chat interactions in addition to call data. DBHDD began answering Georgia’s 988 texts and chats in-state in February 2024.

By visiting 988ga.org/data, stakeholders and the public can access key metrics on the 988 system, ensuring regular updates on call, text, and chat volumes. This interactive resource highlights trends, offers insights into Georgia’s response to mental health crises, and reveals the needs of diverse communities across the state. Stay informed and engaged with this crucial resource as Georgia continues to support individuals in mental health and substance use crises.

Thanks to the efforts of the Georgia Department of Administrative Services (DOAS), one of the state’s largest employers, the State of Georgia is promoting awareness of the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline across digital platforms regularly accessed by employees, including the Team Georgia website. This campaign comes at a critical time as open enrollment for benefits launches, ensuring that employees frequently visiting these resources are made aware of 988 as a supportive mental health resource.

The 988 leadership team in Georgia is committed to increasing awareness among state employees, many of whom work on the front lines of disaster response and serve Georgians in need across various levels of state government. This initiative represents another powerful example of the state’s commitment and collaborative approach to ensuring the long-term success of 988 in Georgia, fostering a supportive network for all residents and employees.

In collaboration with the Georgia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities (DBHDD), the University System of Georgia’s (USG) Mental Health Initiative (MHI) is advancing a significant awareness campaign aimed at connecting students, faculty, and staff with the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline.

Wallet Cards were strategically placed in high-traffic areas such as libraries, residence halls, and counseling centers to ensure easy access. To further embed crisis response capabilities within campus communities, over 600 faculty, staff, and students have been trained on 988 Awareness, with sessions covering suicide prevention and mental health support.

USG’s MHI continues to engage diverse groups through scheduled trainings, targeted communications, and ongoing assessments, with a commitment to further expand awareness and accessibility of mental health resources across Georgia’s higher education system.