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LINCOLN — July 16, 2026 marked the fourth anniversary of 988, the three-digit suicide prevention and mental health crisis national lifeline.
988 provides a direct connection to care and support for anyone experiencing a mental health or substance use related crisis. This free and confidential mental health resource is available 24/7.
Trained and compassionate crisis counselors respond to calls for help by listening to how a caller’s crisis affects their life, offering support and stability in a tough situation, and referring callers to resources in their community.
“988 is an impactful mental health resource to Nebraska and across our nation,” said Dr. Thomas Janousek, Director of the Division of Behavioral Health at the Department of Health and Human Services. “No situation is too tough, complex, or far gone for you to reach out for help. Remember you are not alone, effective help is available any time you need it.”
In Fiscal Year 2025 (FY25), the Nebraska 988 Call Center in Boys Town received over 39,000 contacts, responded to 26,315 calls, and 13,600 digital contacts. Only 324 contacts, approximately 1% of calls or digital contacts, resulted in a Mobile Crisis Response (MCR) activation. This means that over 99% of the time, speaking with a crisis counselor via 988 diverted a mobile crisis response or an emergency room visit. MCR activations allow crises to be addressed by trained mental health crisis counselors, leading to improved outcomes and reduced demand on law enforcement.
Call volumes have increased 120% since the first year of operation in 2022 and 80% since FY24. The average digital answer rate is 86.3%, exceeding the 80% goal in the implementation plan. The current average call answer rate is 92.5%, exceeding the initial 90% goal in the implementation plan. Overall, 11,775 unique users contacted 988 Nebraska in FY25, with 10,034 contacting 988 Nebraska for the first time.
In addition to receiving 26,315 calls and 13,600 digital contacts, 988 NE counselors made 5,974 outbound follow up calls to families in FY25. These calls were to determine if additional assistance and/or referrals were needed.
The lifeline serves all Nebraskans by offering someone to call, someone to respond, and somewhere to go.
Someone to Call: Nebraska’s call center for 988 and the Nebraska Family Helpline is located at Boys Town near Omaha. Trained crisis counselors assess safety, de-escalate crises, triage and create a safety plan, provide referrals and resources, and activate the MRC Team when appropriate.
Someone to Respond: Approximately 99% of calls or digital contacts are de-escalated and managed by crisis counselors without activating the MRC Team. Emergency intervention occurs when a caller is deemed unsafe (a danger to self or others), has access to lethal means, and is not willing to safety plan or involve anyone who can help maintain safety. MRC teams are available statewide and can be used in person, via telehealth, or over the phone based on the individual’s comfort level.
Somewhere to Go: All Nebraskans are advocates for mental health resources for youth and adults. Please share information about 988 with colleagues, friends, and family, or promote 988 information on websites, social media, offices, lobbies, or in other appropriate areas.
For more information about 988 Nebraska, visit: dhhs.ne.gov/Pages/988-Suicide-and-Crisis-Lifeline.aspx
Need immediate help? Help is available. Reach out to:
- The Suicide and Crisis Lifeline; call or text 988, or chat 988lifeline.org
- Same Day Scheduling and Walk-In Access services: dhhs.ne.gov/SameDay
- Nebraska Family Helpline – Any question, any time. (888) 866-8660
- Rural Response Hotline, (800) 464-0258