Public Awareness and Perceptions of the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline Among California Adults

Abstract Suicide is a major public health issue that disproportionately affects certain populations. The 988 Suicide 95% CI: 24.4–28.9) had heard of 988. After reading a brief description of the service, 71.0% (95% CI: 69.1–73.8) said they would be somewhat or very likely to contact 988 if they or someone they knew were experiencing a crisis. Awareness was higher among younger adults, but likelihood of use was lower than older adults. Black adults were more often aware of and likely to use 988 than other racial/ethnic groups. Similar percentages of gun owners and non-owners were likely to use 988. Respondents identified the following factors as most important to their decision to contact 988: immediate access to a crisis counselor, no-cost services, dispatch of mental health professionals in cases of imminent risk, and assurance that the person in crisis would not be taken to jail. Findings provide insight into 988’s implementation and reach in California, which can inform strategies for enhancing effectiveness and equitable access and service use in times of crisis.