The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services recognized the one-year anniversary of the 9-8-8 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline.
The 24-7 toll-free hotline connects individuals to a network of local call centers that provide support for behavioral health issues and emotional distress.
Since the launch of the 9-8-8 service in Michigan, nearly 63-thousand calls have been answered. Callers have spent approximately 18-thousand minutes being connected to help.
The department says it answers 95% of calls within 30 seconds.
The lifeline provides services to a wide range of concerns, including suicidal thoughts, substance abuse crises, emotional distress and help finding behavioral health resources.
Elizabeth Hertel, the director of the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services says strengthening crisis care and mental health services remains a top priority for the department.
“We encourage anyone experiencing a crisis or their family members to use this resource whenever they may need it,” Hertel said.