Texas Suicide Hotline Struggles Amid $7M Deficit
Yet, underfunding has left the hotline struggling to meet demand. The state allocated $14 million for the hotline
A $7m funding deficit means one of America’s busiest suicide hotlines is seeing thousands of abandoned calls
Thousands of calls are being abandoned as Texas’s suicide hotline faces a $7 million funding deficit, according to a new report from The Texas Tribune. At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
Amid a $7 million deficit to Texas’ suicide hotline, thousands of calls are abandoned monthly
Thousands of Texans in need are abandoning the state’s suicide hotline mid-call every month as call centers struggle under a $7 million funding deficit and a growing suicide rate statewide.
What the Texas Suicide Hotline Crisis Means for You
The suicide hotline in Texas, which can be reached by dialing 988, "provides free and confidential support for anyone experiencing mental health-related distress," the Texas Health and Human Services website says. This support line will connect the caller to a trained crisis counselor any time of the week, 24/7.
Texas Suicide and Crisis Lifeline struggles with $7 million deficit
Since launching in 2022, the Texas 988 lifeline number has received over 380,000 calls, the second highest in the nation. With limited funding and a staff shortage, the system is starting to feel the weight of the demand.
Texas Needs More Funding To Properly Staff 988 Suicide Hotline
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Texas Tribune: Amid a $7 million deficit to Texas’ suicide hotline, thousands of calls are abandoned monthly
Thousands of Texans in need are abandoning the state’s suicide hotline mid-call every month as call centers struggle under a $7 million funding deficit and a growing suicide rate statewide.
Texas suicide-prevention hotlines buckle as mental health crisis increases
Two years ago, when the suicide prevention hotline launched, it was called a "game-changer." However, 988 systems in Texas are now beginning to buckle under the weight of a multi-million dollar budget deficit.
Thousands are hanging up on the Texas suicide hotline before they reach a crisis counselor
Thousands of Texans in need are abandoning the state’s suicide hotline mid-call every month as call centers struggle under a $7 million funding deficit and a gr
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Local resources available for those struggling with suicidal thoughts
"So, 9-8-8 is the National Suicide and Prevention Hotline, but each local mental health authority in the state of Texas has ...