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The 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline and Youth Suicide

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  • Marcotte, Dave

    (American University)

Abstract

In July 2022 the ten-digit National Suicide Prevention Lifeline was replaced with a dedicated three-digit number, 988. This followed a precipitous rise in the suicide rate, especially among youth. Suicide is now the second leading cause of death among Americans aged 15 to 24. In this paper, I estimate the effect of 988 on youth and overall suicide rates. I show that the rollout of 988 increased the number of calls to suicide hotlines and the share of calls that were answered. Nonetheless, I find no evidence that 988 reduced suicide mortality. Using multiple identification strategies, I find no reduction following the national rollout in July 2022, nor do I find evidence that state-level improvements in call answer rates reduced suicide. These findings do not imply that 988 has been ineffective: the rollout clearly improved hotline access and response rates. However, I find no evidence that it reduced emergency-department visits for injuries caused by self-harm.

Suggested Citation

  • Marcotte, Dave, 2026. "The 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline and Youth Suicide," IZA Discussion Papers 19038, IZA Network @ LISER.
    • Handle: RePEc:iza:izadps:dp19038
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    JEL classification:

    • I10 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Health - - - General
    • I18 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Health - - - Government Policy; Regulation; Public Health

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