Summary

King County Councilmember Reagan Dunn released a statement ahead of the launch of the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline on Saturday, July 16.

Story

King County Councilmember Reagan Dunn released the following statement ahead of the launch of the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline on Saturday, July 16:

“Declining mental health and the rise of substance use is one of the most urgent issues of our time, and it’s critical that we work to improve access to help for folks in the moments that they need it most. This is why I am proud to have advocated for the launch of the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline here in King County and across Washington State. 

“We know that the pandemic has been a major stressor for so many here in King County—especially our youth and children—and that 41% of adults across the United States are suffering from anxiety, suicidal ideation, substance use disorder, or another behavioral health challenge. For many of these people, being able to reach professional help by simply dialing 988 may mean the difference between life and death and put them on a path to recovery.

“With the great level of need we are seeing, we must continue to work to improve access to crisis care. The launch of the 988 Lifeline is important progress on that task.”

In March of 2021, Dunn spoke in support and urged bipartisan passage of State House Bill 1477, which was later passed and established funding for the implementation of the 988 system in Washington State.

To learn more about the transition of the 988 Hotline, visit: https://www.samhsa.gov/find-help/988/key-messages