Overview: Minnesota 988 Growth
There's a significant rise in Minnesotans utilizing the free 988 Lifeline for emotional and mental health crisis support. With state-funded local specialists standing by to listen and build safety plans.
Now more than ever, Minnesotans are getting the mental health support they need through the free 988 Lifeline.
Since the launch of the national mental health lifeline in July 2022, the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) reports calls, texts and chats routed to the state’s lifeline centers for those needing emotional or mental health support have increased.
According to the MDH, 25,000 contacts in the first six months of the program grew to about 83,000 in the first half of 2026.
In 2023, Minnesota Governor Tim Walz and the Minnesota Legislature passed funding to support local 988 Lifeline centers, which allows Minnesotans to connect with in-state specialists.
Specialists are trained to listen, help callers be heard and reduce danger by guiding them to a calmer place. Specialists can also help callers make a safety plan and connect them to local community resources.
Tanya Carter, supervisor of the MDH, said this is a resource for anyone at any time.
“When you need someone to talk to, 988 is your reliable resource to help work through emotions and challenging times. Just call, text or chat 988 to talk to someone who will honor your stories and listen with care,” Carter said.
Across the state, MDH suicide data reports the age-adjusted suicide rate was at a historic high of 14.8 per 100,000 residents or 860 deaths by suicide in 2022. That rate declined in 2023 and 2024; however, it saw a slight uptick in 2025 but was still below the high.
If you or someone you know needs immediate emotional or mental health support, call or text 988 or visit the 988lifeline.org to connect online with a trained counselor.