Crisis & Suicide Prevention · Texas behavioral health news
This Longhorn’s Advocacy Helped to Launch the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline - Texas Exes
988 Lifeline / Crisis (Google News) · April 28, 2025
In plain language
After losing her former husband to suicide, University of Texas alumna Kristen Christy became a leading advocate for mental health. Her efforts helped create the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, a simple three-digit number that replaced a harder-to-remember 10-digit hotline. Since launching in 2022, the service has been used millions of times to help people in emotional distress. Today, Christy travels as a public speaker to share her story and encourage others to find hope and resilience even after experiencing deep personal loss.
AI-generated summary of the source article. Not medical advice.
Key takeaways
- The 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline provides free, 24/7 support for anyone experiencing emotional distress or a suicidal crisis.
- Callers can press specific buttons to reach specialized support for veterans, Spanish speakers, or LGBTQI+ youth.
- Texas call centers handled more than 382,000 calls during the first two years of the 988 hotline's operation.
- Mental health advocates in Texas are seeking sustainable state funding to support call centers as call volumes continue to rise.
- You do not need to be in a life-threatening crisis to call 988 for support or information.
- Trained counselors at the lifeline help callers create safety plans and connect them with local mental health resources.
This Longhorn’s Advocacy Helped to Launch the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline Texas Exes
Need to talk to someone in Texas? Browse Texas-licensed telehealth therapists. In crisis, call or text 988.