The 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline has answered more than 10 million calls, texts or chats in its first two years, Biden administration officials said Tuesday.

Tuesday marks the second anniversary of the launch of the hotline and affiliated website, which provide confidential support all hours of the day to people in distress. Previously, those seeking help had to dial a harder-to-remember 10-digit number.

“Make no mistake, 988 saves lives,” Neera Tanden, director of the White House Domestic Policy Council, told reporters.

Launching the crisis line was included in President Joe Biden’s strategy to address the nation’s mental health crisis, unveiled in March 2022. 

Over its two years, 988 has expanded to broaden its reach.

The Department of Health and Human Services has invested $1.5 billion in 988, paid for though the 2021 American Rescue Plan and 2022 Bipartisan Safer Communities Act. Much of that funding has gone to states, territories and tribes to hire crisis counselors and improve local responses. 

Federal funding has also been used to bolster the national backup system, which ensures callers speak to a counselor even when their local centers have reached capacity. Some states have contributed their own funding. 

More than 200 contact centers across the country provide support for 988.

“Behavioral health crisis is a crisis, something we need to face together,” Tanden said. “As a country, we have a moral obligation to be there for each other, to reach out to offer help or just a listening ear.”

Meanwhile, 988 has added tailored lines to help groups including Spanish speakers, military veterans and active service members, and LGBTQ+ youth and young adults. Those lines can be reached by calling 988 and then entering a number when prompted. The Spanish phone number has existed since 2006, but not the text and chat options.

A videoline also has been added to help people who are deaf or hard of hearing.

“In the two years since we launched 988, it's become one of the most effective first-line responses that we have to help individuals who feel alone and without options,” said HHS Deputy Secretary Andrea Palm. 

If you or someone you know needs help, call or text 988 to reach the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline or live chat at 988lifeline.org.