Suicide Prevention Lifeline Answers One Millionth Call

One million people have called SAMHSA’s National Suicide Prevention Lifeline to seek life-saving help for themselves or a loved one.

In 2005, suicides accounted for more than 32,600 deaths in the United States—almost twice the number of homicides.

“The Lifeline reached this significant milestone because more people in emotional distress or crisis are becoming aware that help is available just by picking up the telephone and dialing 1-800-273-TALK,” said SAMHSA Acting Administrator Eric B. Broderick, D.D.S., M.P.H.

The Lifeline was launched on January 1, 2005. Calls come from people in crisis seeking someone to listen, concerned friends and family wondering how to help a loved one, young people, older adults, and returning veterans.

On the other end of the line, trained crisis counselors in 133 centers across the Nation listen and guide people to what they need.

Calls are toll-free and the counseling services are confidential. The Lifeline operates 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Currently, the Lifeline averages 47,500 calls per month, with more than 1,580 people calling daily. Recently, the Lifeline announced that the special veterans line received 55,000 calls in its first year (see SAMHSA News online, July/August 2008).

For more information about SAMHSA’s National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, visit the Web site at www.suicidepreventionlifeline.org.